The 2025 NFL Draft unfolded with unexpected developments, particularly surrounding Shedeur Sanders, who was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the fifth round. This choice sparked significant discussion, especially as Sanders shared an emotional message on social media: “Thank you GOD.” In the aftermath of the draft, industry experts, analysts, and former players began scrutinizing the reasons behind his drop in draft stock. Notably, Pro Football Hall of Famer Cris Carter commented on the situation, suggesting that Sanders’ and his family’s decisions may have adversely affected his draft position, costing him potential earnings in the millions.
Carter’s insights highlighted several missteps that he believed contributed to Sanders falling down the boards. He pointed out that Sanders and his family may have misunderstood the draft evaluation process, comparing their approach to that of former quarterback Eli Manning. Carter criticized their strategy of limiting team evaluations and refusing to participate in the Combine workouts. He emphasized that Sanders’ performance in interviews left some evaluators with a perception of entitlement, which could have deterred potential teams from considering him seriously.
Challenging the idea of collusion within the NFL, Carter strongly asserted that the various team owners are individualistic and would not conspire against a player. He argued that if teams genuinely needed a quarterback and deemed Sanders as potentially great, they would not deliberately overlook him. Instead, he believed that Sanders’ family had miscalculated their approach, which might have backfired in terms of how teams assessed him during the draft process. The notion of a unified effort to suppress Sanders’ draft stock, according to Carter, simply didn’t align with how competitive team dynamics function.
Despite acknowledging Sanders’ notable skills, Carter critiqued some of his physical attributes that he felt didn’t align with first-round expectations. Specifically, he noted that Sanders lacked a strong arm, height, and exceptional athleticism—qualities that tend to drive first-round selections. Yet, he appreciated Sanders’ performance on the field, suggesting that he played to a level worthy of higher draft consideration. Nevertheless, Carter maintained that being a highly successful athlete also requires personal development off the field.
During the 2024 season, Sanders threw for an impressive 4,134 passing yards, showcasing his talent despite the criticism surrounding his physical attributes. As the son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders and current head coach at Colorado, Shedeur has a considerable legacy to uphold. He now faces the challenge of establishing himself within a competitive quarterback room at the Cleveland Browns, which also includes high-profile players like Deshaun Watson and Joe Flacco. The dynamics of this group could either hinder or bolster his chances of succeeding in the league.
The discussion surrounding Sanders serves as a microcosm of the complex nature of the NFL Draft process, where decisions extend beyond pure talent evaluation. It underscores the multifaceted relationship between player strategies, team needs, and the interpreted value of individual prospects. As Sanders attempts to navigate his new position, the lessons drawn from his draft experience may offer profound insights into how aspiring players prepare for their professional careers, both on and off the field.
