Cleveland, OH – Quarterback Shedeur Sanders, highly touted for much of his collegiate career, was selected by the Cleveland Browns as the 144th overall pick in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. This selection marks the official commencement of his professional journey, a moment anticipated by many, as expressed in a recent tweet from Dov Kleiman stating, > "Shedeur Sanders' story starts today…⌚️ Get ready to witness greatness."
Sanders, who played two seasons at Jackson State before transferring to Colorado, showcased significant talent, particularly in his 2024 season with the Buffaloes where he recorded 4,134 passing yards, 37 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. Early projections from various analysts and mock drafts frequently placed him as a potential top-five or early first-round selection, with his accuracy and ability to make off-platform throws often highlighted as key strengths. PFF awarded him an elite 90.9 grade in 2024, noting his consistent performance.
However, as the draft approached, Sanders' stock experienced a notable slide. Concerns emerged regarding his tendency to hold onto the ball for too long, evidenced by a 15th-percentile sack rate and an average time to throw of 3.18 seconds in 2024. His decision not to participate in drills at the NFL Scouting Combine also reportedly contributed to some teams' hesitation, leading to what some analysts dubbed the "Shedeur Sanders slide."
His eventual selection in the fifth round by the Browns means a significant financial difference compared to a first-round contract, with the first overall pick projected to sign for over $48 million. Despite the unexpected fall, the Cleveland Browns have acquired a quarterback with a strong college pedigree and a high ceiling. Sanders joins a revamped quarterback room in Cleveland, where he will have the opportunity to develop and compete.
The start of Sanders' NFL career carries the weight of high expectations and the narrative of overcoming a draft-day drop. His journey will now be closely watched as he aims to fulfill the promise of "greatness" that has long surrounded his name, beginning his professional chapter with the Cleveland Browns.