Cleveland Browns pick Shedeur Sanders in fifth round after first-round projections falter.

Former Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders watches on before the Black and Gold Spring Game at Folsom Field on April 19, 2025, in Boulder, Colorado. Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

University of Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders, the son of NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, experienced an unexpected twist in his professional journey when he was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the fifth round of the NFL draft. Despite early predictions projecting him as a potential first-round pick, the announcement that Shedeur Sanders was drafted by the Browns came with the 144th overall selection on Saturday.

As the NFL draft unfolded in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Sanders celebrated the life-changing moment surrounded by family and friends in Texas. A live stream on Twitch captured the emotional scenes as he reacted to the news. Shortly after, Sanders expressed his gratitude by posting "Thank you GOD" on X, formerly Twitter.

The slide in the draft order surprised many observers. Throughout the draft process, Shedeur Sanders was widely regarded as a high-value quarterback prospect, and his accolades included being named the Big 12 Conference Offensive Player of the Year. Nevertheless, teams passed on him repeatedly until the Browns, after trading two picks to the Seattle Seahawks to move up, decided the time was right to secure him.

Browns seize opportunity to draft Sanders

Cleveland Browns general manager Andrew Berry explained that the team had been monitoring Sanders's availability closely. After selecting quarterback Dillon Gabriel in the third round, the Browns saw additional value in adding Sanders to their roster.

"We felt like he was a good, solid prospect at the most important position," Berry said following the draft. "We felt it got to a point where he was probably mis-priced relative to the draft."

Berry emphasized that despite Sanders's slide, the organization believes in his potential. The selection reflects the Browns' commitment to bolstering competition at the quarterback position, even after adding Gabriel earlier.

Draft drama fuels national debate

The unexpected fall of Shedeur Sanders in the draft sparked a national conversation, even drawing commentary from political figures. Former U.S. President Donald Trump weighed in on social media, questioning the decision-making of NFL owners.

"What is wrong with NFL owners, are they STUPID?" Trump posted on Truth Social before the second round began.

Sanders’s draft position became one of the major talking points of the weekend. Analysts speculated that his strong public profile — bolstered by his father's fame and his own success at Colorado — may have contributed to teams' hesitation. Some wondered whether NFL franchises worried about his adjustment to professional life outside of the guidance of his father, Deion Sanders, who coached him in college and is known for his outspoken nature.

Future ahead for Sanders in Cleveland

Despite the scrutiny surrounding his draft journey, the Browns made it clear that they are focused on Shedeur Sanders's development on the field.

"Obviously Shedeur has kind of grown up in the spotlight, but our expectation is for him to come in here and work and compete," Berry said.

The Browns' quarterback room will now feature a competitive environment, with both Sanders and Gabriel among the new additions. Sanders's college career showcased his arm strength, pocket awareness, and leadership, and the Browns are hopeful he can bring those qualities to the professional level.

Quarterback movement defines 2025 NFL draft

While the NFL draft is always unpredictable, the quarterback selections in 2025 added extra layers of intrigue. University of Miami quarterback Cam Ward was taken with the number one overall pick by the Tennessee Titans, setting the tone early. Jaxson Dart also went in the first round, but there was a notable drop-off in quarterback selections until later rounds.

By the end of Friday, three more collegiate quarterbacks had been selected, but many believed none had a stronger college résumé than Shedeur Sanders. That only added to the surprise when he remained on the board into Saturday.

The Browns' move to trade up for Sanders underscores their belief that he could become a valuable asset, not just a backup or developmental player. It also highlights how quarterback evaluations remain highly subjective, with team needs and organizational culture often dictating decisions more than pure statistics or awards.

Shedeur Sanders’s college legacy

Shedeur Sanders leaves behind an impressive legacy at the University of Colorado. His tenure included setting school records for passing yards and touchdowns, leading remarkable comebacks, and consistently demonstrating poise under pressure. His leadership qualities earned him the respect of teammates and coaches alike.

Under the tutelage of his father, he transformed from a highly touted high school recruit into one of college football's most recognizable stars. Despite Colorado facing struggles in the win-loss column, Sanders's individual performances often kept them competitive against stronger opposition.

Now, as Shedeur Sanders transitions to the NFL, the question remains how quickly he can adapt to the professional game's speed, complexity, and physicality. The Browns are betting that the answer will be sooner rather than later.

As rookie minicamps and training camps approach, all eyes will be on how Shedeur Sanders handles the next step of his football journey. His drafting by the Browns marks the beginning of a new chapter, one that carries both immense opportunity and the inevitable weight of expectations.

If Sanders can translate his college success to the NFL, he could prove to be one of the biggest steals of the 2025 draft — and a reminder that talent sometimes waits a little longer than expected to find its professional home.