The 2025 NFL Draft will be remembered for two wildly contrasting storylines involving former Colorado stars. Travis Hunter saw his NFL dreams realized in stunning fashion, going second overall to the Jacksonville Jaguars after they traded up with the Cleveland Browns in a high-profile move to land the two-way phenom.
But the biggest shock of the weekend came just hours later, as quarterback Shedeur Sanders slid all the way to the fifth round, where the Browns selected him with the 144th overall pick.
Once expected to headline the draft alongside Hunter, Sanders instead became one of its most polarizing talking points. And according to former NFL MVP Cam Newton, that slide may have been exactly what the league wanted.
“The first time in Shedeur‘s life as a grown man, he’s not being coached by his dad. That’s a lot of impact,” Newton said. “Is he deserving of a top-ten pick? Absolutely. Is this a way where people want to be like – we want to humble this guy, even having his jersey retired. Those types of things are going to follow you in the locker room. Daddy ain’t going to be able to save you now.”
Sanders’ confidence drew attention
Newton‘s warning reflects what many insiders and analysts have been saying behind closed doors: Sanders‘ draft tumble was not based solely on on-field evaluations.
In a league that values humility almost as much as talent, Shedeur‘s personality and confidence rubbed some front offices the wrong way during pre-draft interviews.
Reports indicated that several teams were put off by what they perceived as arrogance or entitlement, stemming not only from Sanders‘ confident public persona but also from moments like having his jersey retired at Colorado while still an active college player. In the tight-lipped, hyper-political world of NFL front offices, such details can become red flags, regardless of a player’s film.
And yet, Newton made it clear: Sanders has the talent to be great. But now, he’ll have to show it in an environment that doesn’t make exceptions or offer protections – especially not for someone bearing the Sanders name.
“Those types of things are going to follow you,” Newton said. “Daddy ain’t going to be able to save you now.”
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