Shedeur Sanders was selected by the Cleveland Browns with the 144th overall pick in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Despite being considered a potential first-round talent, he slid significantly in the draft, going much later than expected
. This drop was due to several factors, including concerns about his arm strength, tendency to hold the ball too long leading to sacks, and questions about his off-field character and attitude. Additionally, his decision to skip some evaluation drills like the Scouting Combine may have contributed to teams' uncertainty about him
. The Browns traded up to pick him in the fifth round, seeing value in a low- cost, high-upside player who must prove himself without any guaranteed starting role or contract pressure. This pick was seen as a smart move given the low financial risk and the opportunity to develop Sanders behind other quarterbacks on the roster
