NFL Draft: Shedeur Sanders’ pre-draft process hurt him, NFL exec says
The 2025 NFL Draft was full of surprises, but perhaps the most shocking development was Shedeur Sanders’ unexpected fall down the draft boards. After being passed over by multiple teams, Sanders was finally selected by the Cleveland Browns in the fifth round on Saturday. Following his selection, Sanders took to social media to express his gratitude, posting a short but emotional message: “Thank you GOD.” Since then, many in the sports world have been trying to make sense of Sanders’ plummet in the draft.
A recent report from The Athletic, citing an unnamed NFL team executive, shed some light on potential reasons for Sanders’ draft day woes. The executive suggested that Sanders approached team visits more like a recruiting trip than a job interview, which may have rubbed some teams the wrong way. Additionally, Sanders’ decision not to hire an agent was seen as a disadvantage, as an experienced agent could have provided valuable guidance throughout the draft process.
It was widely believed that Sanders’ father, Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, played an informal advisory role during the draft process. However, this may have also contributed to some teams’ concerns about Sanders’ level of independence and decision-making.
In the days leading up to the draft, Sanders faced criticism from an NFL assistant coach who described his pre-draft interview as the worst he had ever experienced. The coach cited Sanders’ entitled attitude, tendency to take unnecessary sacks, lack of accountability, and overall performance as reasons for concern.
Despite the challenges he faced leading up to the draft, Sanders finished the 2024 season with impressive passing yardage. He will now join a crowded quarterback room in Cleveland, alongside Deshaun Watson, Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, and Dillon Gabriel.
As Sanders begins his NFL career, all eyes will be on him to see how he responds to the challenges and criticisms he faced during the draft process. With the support of his family and the opportunity to learn from experienced quarterbacks in Cleveland, Sanders has the potential to prove his doubters wrong and make a name for himself in the league.
Chantz Martin is a sports writer for Fox News Digital. Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on Twitter, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
