Deion Sanders’ Role In Shedeur Sanders Falling In 2025 NFL Draft
Deion Sanders' Role In Shedeur Sanders Falling In 2025 NFL Draft

The 2025 NFL Draft will be remembered for one of the most surprising falls in recent memory, as quarterback Shedeur Sanders plummeted from a projected top-10 selection to the fifth round.
Despite his impressive college career and high-profile status, Sanders watched as round after round passed before finally being selected by the Cleveland Browns with the 144th overall pick. This unexpected slide has become the draft’s most discussed storyline, overshadowing even the first overall selection of Miami quarterback Cam Ward by the Tennessee Titans.
Behind Sanders’ dramatic fall appears to be a complex mix of factors, with his father’s influence emerging as a significant element. NFL executives have suggested that Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, who coached his son at Colorado, may have inadvertently damaged Shedeur’s draft stock through public comments about preferred landing spots and draft position expectations.
The potential for media attention and outside influences seemingly concerned some NFL teams, contributing to the quarterback’s surprising slide down draft boards.
Shedeur Sanders Will Get His Chance In Cleveland
Despite falling to the fifth round (144th overall) in the 2025 NFL Draft, Shedeur Sanders finds himself in a favorable situation with the Cleveland Browns. The 23-year-old quarterback enters a team without an established starter, creating a genuine opportunity to compete for the top spot on the depth chart.
The Browns’ quarterback room currently consists of:
- Joe Flacco (40 years old, veteran journeyman)
- Kenny Pickett (acquired via trade this offseason)
- Deshaun Watson (dealing with injuries, questionable for 2025)
This uncertainty at the position works in Sanders’ favor. While his draft slide generated significant attention—reportedly influenced by concerns about his father Deion Sanders’ involvement and questions about his mechanics—the actual on-field opportunity in Cleveland remains substantial.
Sanders now has several months to demonstrate his abilities and potentially secure the starting role. His performance in minicamps and training sessions will be crucial as he works to establish himself at the professional level.

A graduate from the University of Texas, Anthony Amador has been credentialed to cover the Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks and high school games all over the Lone Star State. Currently, his primary beats are the NBA, MLB, NFL and UFC.