After an unprecedented slide in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Cleveland Browns mercifully gave quarterback Shedeur Sanders a place to play… probably.

Many draft analysts had Sanders mocked to the Cleveland Browns in the draft. Instead, they passed on him six times before executing a trade with the Seattle Seahawks to No. 144 overall in the fifth round, where they finally selected the Colorado quarterback.

Sanders watched as his wide receiver, Travis Hunter, came off the board second overall. He also saw five other signal-callers drafted ahead of him, including new teammate Dillon Gabriel (quarterback, Oregon), whom the Browns chose in the third round. There has been much speculation about what caused the draft slide for Sanders, with many questioning whether it was born of personal beef or an attitude issue. The humbling experience will likely drive the quarterback in a room that includes Gabriel, Joe, Flacco, Deshaun Watson, and Kenny Pickett.

Slightly undersized at just over 6-foot-1 and 212 pounds, Sanders is a pocket passer without the typical arm strength. He is not a playmaker with his legs, but is mobile enough to evade pressure. However, as a pure-pocket passer, he lacks significant athleticism or strength and zip behind his throws. Those are troubling issues that can be improved, as well as a long release time and a long dropback, making him highly susceptible to the edge rush.

Sanders finished his career at Colorado with 4,134 yards over two seasons, with a TD/INT ratio of 37:10. His 71.8 completion percentage led all FBS quarterbacks over those two years, including leading the FBS with a 74.0 last season. Sanders has a leg-up on other rookie quarterbacks thanks to his poise under pressure and attraction to the spotlight; attributes often shied away from by others in his position.

Author: Sam Schneider (@BuyAndSellYou)