Shedeur Sanders experienced a dramatic decline during the NFL Draft, slipping from a highly regarded prospect to being overshadowed by other quarterbacks. Initially projected as a potential top-five pick, Sanders ultimately wasn’t even selected as a top-five quarterback, with players like Cam Ward, Jaxson Dart, Tyler Shough, Jalen Milroe, and Dillon Gabriel being chosen ahead of him. This unexpected fall surprised many, since some pre-draft analyses even considered him a contender for the first overall selection.
As the draft progressed and Sanders slipped out of the first round, he expressed his disbelief regarding his draft positioning. His reaction included a light-hearted moment involving a prank phone call that humorously informed him he’d need to wait longer for his selection. Despite the disappointment, Sanders took to social media to remain positive, thanking God for his journey and future opportunities as the third round unfolded.
Throughout the early rounds, it became evident that multiple teams were passing on Sanders. Tyler Shough, who was taken 40th overall by the New Orleans Saints, was among those chosen before Sanders. As the third round continued, Jalen Milroe was picked by the Seattle Seahawks at 92, and the Cleveland Browns opted for Dillon Gabriel just three picks later, further highlighting Sanders’s unexpected fall from grace.
Leading up to the draft, reports of negativity around Sanders began to surface. Some scouts and coaches expressed skepticism about his abilities, with one coach describing their formal meeting with him as “the worst,” labeling him as “entitled” and questioning his talent. This sentiment seemed to resonate with other teams, contributing to his dwindling stock as the draft unfolded.
As the remaining rounds approached, there remained over 150 picks left in the draft, leaving Sanders’s future uncertain. Teams like the Tennessee Titans, having resolved their quarterback situation, were set to kick off the fourth round. With the landscape shifting quickly, speculation grew regarding which team would ultimately take a chance on Sanders.
The ongoing rounds posed a significant opportunity for Sanders to be selected, but at this critical juncture, it was unclear where he might land. With the competition intensifying and perceptions of his potential evolving, the remainder of the draft would be pivotal in determining his future in the NFL.
