By Darryl Jacobs
The buzz was undeniable when Shedeur Sanders declared for the 2025 NFL Draft. Most experts rated him as the No. 1 or No. 2 quarterback prospect. Some even said he was the safest bet at the position — polished, experienced, and battle-tested. After throwing for 4,134 yards with 37 touchdowns behind one of the worst offensive lines in college football with no running game, Sanders earned the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year and won the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award. He showed elite pocket toughness, high football IQ, and leadership in a program that lived under the national microscope. Yet, after four complete rounds, the fact that Shedeur was still on the board was a shock to many. Not one team pulled the trigger.
How does this happen to a player with his production, pedigree, and poise? Let’s break it down and be honest about it.
Timing Played a Role — But It’s Not the Whole Story
One part of this is simple supply and demand. Six quarterbacks were taken in the first round of last year’s 2024 NFL Draft: Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, Jayden Daniels, Michael Penix Jr., Bo Nix, and J.J. McCarthy. Teams like the Bears, Commanders, Patriots, Falcons, Vikings, and Broncos spent top picks to secure their guys. Fast forward to this year, and fewer teams were desperate. Teams like the Raiders, Seahawks, Saints, Buccaneers and even the Browns had needs, but not urgent ones like the Steelers who choose not to pull the trigger.
Teams always find a reason to bet on quarterbacks they believe in early. It wasn’t just supply and demand that hurt Sanders. The evaluation process, which seems to be unfairly skewed against certain players, is a clear example of the injustices in the NFL draft system.
Picking Apart the Physical Tools — Fair Criticism or Excuses?
Let’s not pretend there weren’t concerns. Sanders doesn’t have elite arm strength. His deep ball sometimes floats. He’s not an off-the-charts athlete like Anthony Richardson. Some scouts questioned if Sanders could consistently make “second reaction” plays when protection broke down. Others said he locked onto primary reads too long. Those criticisms are part of the evaluation — and fair in a vacuum. But quarterbacks like Baker Mayfield (6’1 “, average arm) and Johnny Manziel (5’11”, average arm) heard similar critiques — and still went top-22 overall. The difference? Those guys were celebrated for their competitiveness and fire. When Shedeur shows emotion or swagger, it’s “he’s entitled” or “too confident.” Same traits. Different narratives.
The Interview Narrative and the “Too Arrogant” Tag
During the draft process, one of the laziest knocks was the anonymous scout who said, “He didn’t interview well — came off too full of himself.” Another scout reportedly said Sanders acted “like he was doing teams a favor.” First, anonymous quotes often cover lazy evaluations or deeper biases. Second, we’ve seen this movie before. Baker Mayfield planted a flag at midfield, taunted opponents’ teams, and loved his “alpha dog” energy. Johnny Manziel wore his “money sign” and still went in the first round. Joe Burrow exuded supreme confidence — and was praised for his swagger. Yet Shedeur — who grew up around NFL locker rooms and has been in the spotlight since he was 12 — gets labeled arrogant? Same actions. Different evaluations.
The Deion Factor: A Double-Edged Sword
There’s no ignoring Deion Sanders’ shadow here. On one hand, Deion raised Shedeur’s profile to the point where he was on every NFL team’s radar. On the other hand, teams worried about what comes with the Sanders brand: cameras, expectations, headlines, and the pressure to succeed immediately. Teams whispered about “distractions.”
But ask yourself: Would they say the same if Archie Manning made public comments supporting his son? The truth is Deion’s pride somehow became a liability in the eyes of NFL decision-makers.
Race and Reality — It’s Still a Factor
Let’s get to the absolute uncomfortable truth: Has race played a role? History shows us that Black quarterbacks are often held to different standards—Doug Williams, Warren Moon, Randall Cunningham, and Michael Vick — all faced barriers. Even in modern times, Lamar Jackson slipped to pick 32 after winning the Heisman. Justin Fields was nitpicked about his “work ethic,” later proven to be baseless. The same coded language shows up with Shedeur:
“Is he coachable?”
“Does he love football?”
“Is he too flashy and Arrogant?”
“Can he handle a backup role?”
When young Black quarterbacks walk into a room with confidence and control, they’re often seen as threats, not assets. This double standard in the treatment of Black quarterbacks should outrage us all. It’s not speculation. It’s a pattern.
System Questions: Another Convenient Excuse
Many evaluators dinged Sanders because Colorado’s offense was heavy on RPOs, quick passes, and spread concepts. But guess what? That’s every major college program now.
Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, and Bo Nix thrived in spread offenses with simplified reads.
NFL offenses today are built on RPOs, shotgun formations, and quick-strike schemes.
Saying Sanders can’t adjust because of his college system was another convenient excuse. It’s time we addressed the systemic issues in the NFL that allow for such excuses, and the need for change in the evaluation process.
Cleveland Calls: A New Beginning at Pick 144
Finally, in the fifth round, with pick No. 144, the Cleveland Browns ended Shedeur Sanders’ slide. It was a surprising fall that Shedeur likely won’t forget. There’s history here, too: Deion Sanders spent the final year of his Hall of Fame career in the AFC North with the Baltimore Ravens, which are fierce rivals of the Browns. Now, his son lands in the heart of the division where football is brutal, cold, and unforgiving — the perfect place for someone looking to prove himself.
The Quarterback Situation: A Logjam in Cleveland
Shedeur walks into a crowded and complicated Browns quarterback room:
- Deshaun Watson is the entrenched starter with a $230 million guaranteed contract, but injuries and inconsistency have plagued his time in Cleveland.
- Joe Flacco, the 2023 comeback hero who saved Cleveland’s playoff hopes, remains in the picture as a veteran presence, though he’s aging.
- Kenny Pickett, the former first-round pick acquired from Pittsburgh this offseason, is looking for a second chance after a disappointing run with the Steelers.
- Dillon Gabriel, another rookie QB from the 2025 Draft, was also selected ahead of Sanders, adding more competition.
- Shedeur Sanders is fighting to earn reps and prove he’s the Browns’ long-term future.
That’s five quarterbacks. Five careers fighting for oxygen. It’s a challenging situation for any rookie — but Shedeur Sanders isn’t built like any rookie. He’s battled under bright lights his entire life. And now, he has another mountain to climb.
Final Thoughts: The NFL May Have Blown It Again
Ultimately, Shedeur Sanders’ fall wasn’t about one simple thing. It was about timing, nitpicking flaws, media narratives, fears of his father’s influence, and race. The good news?
The NFL has a long history of getting it wrong on quarterbacks:
Russell Wilson. Jalen Hurts. Dak Prescott. All overlooked. All proved them wrong.
Shedeur Sanders has the same opportunity. And if he succeeds— NFL executives, scouts, and GMs will have to explain how they let another star slip through their fingers… because of the same tired, outdated reasons.
Darryl Jacobs is an ESPN & CBS Sports Network Commentator/Analyst, former college head coach, and sports executive with over two decades of experience in collegiate and professional athletics. He is also a passionate advocate for athlete mental health and leadership development.