It was an almighty slide for Shedeur Sanders in the 2025 NFL Draft, but he did eventually get drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the fifth round instead of the widely expected first. All he needed was a chance, and Cleveland bet on him despite all the noise about his unprofessional conduct.
However, Sanders is now in a four-way battle with Joe Flacco, Dillon Gabriel, and Kenny Pickett for the starting job in Cleveland, something he has rarely had to deal with.
Shedeur Sanders Reveals How He Will Handle QB Battle at Cleveland Browns
Sanders was once a contender to go No. 1 overall, but that changed after the NFL Combine, with Cam Ward rising up and eventually getting picked first by the Tennessee Titans.
Sanders was still viewed as the second-best quarterback prospect in this draft class, with the only real competition coming from Ole Miss’ Jaxson Dart. Dart was selected at No. 25 overall, with the New York Giants trading up to secure him.
Sanders watched three more quarterbacks get selected ahead of him, including Gabriel by the Browns and the Louisville Cardinals’ Tyler Shough.
As he slid into Day 3, many feared Sanders might remain undrafted, but the Browns eventually bet on him at No. 144 overall, and it’s now going to be some battle for him for the starting job in Cleveland.
How is his mindset going into Cleveland for minicamp with the QB competition looming? Sanders seems locked into handling his business.
“Get there, and handle my business. Do what I have to do, whatever role that is. I’m just thankful for the opportunity, so that’s all I can ask for, the rest is on me,” he said.
On-field questions about Sanders’ arm strength and athleticism likely dropped him out of the top 10. Still, off-field issues like his father and unimpressive NFL Scouting Combine interviews likely elongated his wait.
Sanders will have a large chip on his shoulder going forward, and he’ll be itching to prove his doubters and the other 31 NFL teams wrong.
At the University of Colorado, Sanders had an efficient 2024 season, completing 74.0% of his passes for 4,134 yards and 37 touchdowns. He led the Buffaloes to a bowl game appearance and nine wins after a rough 2023 campaign.
However, one big concern about his game is his tendency to hold onto the ball too long, leading to sacks. Sanders was sacked 42 times in 2024 and 52 times in 2023. He could struggle at the next level if he doesn’t improve in that area. But there’s no question he has the arm talent to be Cleveland’s quarterback of the future.
