Fifth round of the NFL draft: Shedeur Sanders was drafted by the Cleveland Browns after a surprising fall
Shedeur Sanders was selected with the 144th overall pick in NFL draft on Saturday, despite earlier projections placing him in the first round.
The star quarterback from Colorado, Shedeur Sanders, standout quarterback from the University of Colorado and son of NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, was selected by the Cleveland Browns with the 144th overall pick in the fifth round of the NFL Draft on Saturday. The selection marked a surprising drop for Sanders, who had been widely projected as a first-round pick by numerous analysts ahead of the draft.
Despite projections placing him anywhere from third overall to late in the first round, Sanders remained undrafted through the first two days. On day three, the Browns made their move. He was the sixth quarterback taken, behind Cam Ward (Miami), Jaxson Dart (Ole Miss), Tyler Shough (Louisville), Jalen Milroe (Alabama), and Dillon Gabriel (Oregon). Moments after his selection, Sanders simply posted “Thank you GOD” on X.
Browns express confidence in Sanders’ future
Shortly after announcing the pick, the Browns shared a video of Sanders with the caption: “Another standout added to the mix.” In an official statement, Cleveland’s Executive Vice President and General Manager Andrew Berry described Sanders as “a solid and promising prospect at the most important position,” and praised his accuracy and ball security as a pocket passer.
Sanders joins a crowded quarterback room in Cleveland, which includes veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett, along with fellow 2024 draft pick Dillon Gabriel. Prior to Saturday's draft, NBC Sports' Connor Rogers had listed Sanders as the top remaining prospect, ranking him No. 30 overall on his draft board.
College star with strong pedigree and stats
Sanders began his collegiate career at Jackson State in 2021 under the leadership of his father, Deion Sanders. The duo moved to Colorado following the 2022 season, where Shedeur spent his final two years and helped transform the Buffaloes football program. Colorado had won just one game before his arrival but achieved a 9-win season in 2024—their best record since 2016.
In his senior season, Sanders was named Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year. He completed 74.0% of his passes for 4,134 yards, recording 37 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Despite his on-field performance, the pre-draft process was marked by scrutiny of his character off the field, with some scouts and coaches reportedly questioning his demeanor and leadership style.