It was tough to top the Browns’ shock value during the 2025 NFL Draft when they took Sanders with the 144th pick. This choice shocked the world, as Sanders was expected to be a possible number one overall selection only months earlier. As such, his slide on draft day was surprising, as he was the sixth QB selected in an incredibly deep draft class.
What’s important to note is that Sanders’ path to the Browns was one filled with extremely thorough evaluations and personal interactions with the team during the entire predraft process. He met with the Browns at both the East-West Shrine Bowl and the NFL Scouting Combine, showcasing his skills and character. He accepted one of his top-30 visits, where he broke bread with Browns brass. All of this happened just before his pro day workout on April 4, of course. The Browns were very interested in Sanders, but ultimately chose that he was not worth the No. 2 overall pick. Instead, Oklahoma did what they always do—replace their star QB with another one—and selected Dillon Gabriel, formerly of Oregon, Oklahoma, and UCF, with the 94th pick.
Pending trades, of course, Sanders will be in a playing time battle against Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel and Deshaun Watson. He’ll likely be out for most of the 2025 season due to an Achilles injury. All of this could make for a unique opportunity for Sanders to shine – if he makes the most of it.
After an unpredictable draft, Sanders remains hopeful. He’s far more concerned with setting up his long-term future with the Browns. He conceded that he could have done better on some aspects of the predraft process and could have done things differently, but focused his efforts on moving forward. Other than that, I had a great interview and a great process with the Browns,” Sanders said. That’s why they elected me. “So anything outside the organization is really a nonfactor to me now because this is where my focus and this is where my mind is: Just doing everything I can to make the team better.”
Sanders is preparing to assume his new mantle in Cleveland. He had no trouble making himself at home, showing up in Ohio within days of the draft. Berry could tell by his calm disposition that he was all in and relentless in his pursuit. He added, “Just getting to know him throughout the spring, he’s got a lot of grit. I think he’s going to put himself in a great position.”
The Browns’ commitment to drafting Sanders is a clear indication that they’re serious about solidifying an intimidating roster. They refuse to let any challenges stand in their way. Sheldon here, after having selected Gabriel much earlier in the draft. They recognized Sanders’ potential and strong character, so they made the decision to hire him. Berry expressed confidence in Sanders’ abilities: “All I can say is this: The time that we spent with Shedeur and what he’s done throughout his college career is impressive. He’s an impressive young man. He’s a really good quarterback.”
As some analysts pointed out, Sanders’ spring outings were largely underwhelming. Through it all, the Browns never wavered from their belief that he was a talent. One AFC area scout said of him, “I thought he would have a much better spring.” This candid remark cuts to the core of skepticism about Sanders’ draft stock.
Berry still asserted that fit is an essential part of ranking prospects. So then, sometimes fit plays a role and I’d add this, there are four more rounds of the draft. Finally, it’s more not about where you’re drafted, it’s about what you do after you’ve been drafted. That’s really the biggest thing,” he added.
Shedeur Sanders is entering his rookie season with the Detroit Lions. He carries the fierce passion of a man on a mission. He articulated his drive succinctly: “What fuels me is my purpose in life and understanding the route that we’re going to have to take.”
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