The journey to that moment was anything but smooth. Sanders’ first-round hopes evaporated Thursday night, and his draft slide deepened Friday when three more quarterbacks were selected ahead of him. Analysts and fans alike were stunned to see Sanders still available.
Long Wait Ends in Cleveland
The Browns, who already selected Dillon Gabriel in the third round, added Sanders to a quarterback room that includes veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett. With starter Deshaun Watson’s future uncertain following another Achilles injury, Cleveland is clearly stacking talent at the position.
“I didn’t expect this,” Sanders admitted after Round 1, but called the experience “fuel to the fire.” On Saturday morning, he posted on X, saying he was excited for “another opportunity to play the game I love.” Cleveland has now given him that chance.
College Journey with “Coach Prime”
A highly regarded four-star recruit, Sanders began his college career under his father, Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders, at Jackson State. There, he earned SWAC Freshman of the Year honors with 3,231 passing yards, 30 touchdowns, and only eight interceptions.
He followed up with a SWAC Player of the Year campaign in 2022, throwing for 3,752 yards, 40 touchdowns, and just six picks.
When Deion Sanders moved to Colorado, Shedeur followed, stepping onto a bigger stage in the Pac-12. Despite a tough season for the Buffaloes (4-8), Shedeur impressed with 3,230 yards, 27 touchdowns, and just three interceptions before a back injury ended his season early.
Choosing to return to Colorado for the 2024 season rather than enter the draft, Sanders thrived. He earned second-team All-American honors, was named Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year, and finished as a Heisman Trophy finalist. He set school records with 64 career passing touchdowns and a 74% completion rate — the highest in FBS for 2024.
Scouting Report and Criticism
On tape, Sanders displays sharp accuracy, good pocket presence, and the ability to scramble. However, scouts have cited a few concerns: a standard NFL-level arm strength, a slower release, and a tendency to look for big plays rather than making safer reads.
Additionally, Sanders has operated under an intense spotlight thanks to his famous father. Some NFL insiders reportedly questioned whether Sanders’ public image — with one coach labeling him “entitled” — might complicate his transition to the pro level.
A Fresh Start in Cleveland
Now, Sanders will have the opportunity to prove himself away from the draft-day chatter, focusing on competing for a role in Cleveland and writing the next chapter of his career.