Shedeur Sanders’ journey to the NFL took an unexpected turn when he was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, far below his projected top-10 status. Despite the late-round selection, the path to success in the NFL isn’t defined by draft position alone, as Tom Brady, the 199th pick in 2000, reminded Sanders. Brady advised him to forget the draft snub and focus on improving every day, learning the playbook, studying film, and outworking everyone to seize his opportunity when it comes. Aware of the challenge ahead, Sanders now faces a crowded quarterback room in Cleveland, where he must prove his worth during rookie minicamps and the upcoming training camps.
Sanders Throws First Passes as a Brown
Competition intensifies with each step in the NFL, and for Sanders, the first hurdle is securing a spot on the Browns’ 53-man roster among four other quarterbacks.The Browns’ videos from their rookie minicamp show Shedeur Sanders in action, donning the No. 12 jersey and throwing passes to various receivers on the practice field. The footage, shared by the team, captures Sanders’ poise and precision, a clear statement to coach Kevin Stefanski, the Browns’ front office, the 31 teams that passed on him, and his quarterback competitors.
“I’m here to show that I’m not just hype and marketing – I’m ready for the NFL,” his performance seems to say. Not alone in the spotlight, Heisman finalist and former Oregon Duck Dillon Gabriel, drafted 94th overall by the Browns, also threw passes after leading the Ducks to a 13-1 record and the nation’s best regular season finish in 2024. Both rookies will face stiff competition, as the Browns are unlikely to keep five quarterbacks on the roster.
Veteran Joe Flacco’s experience makes him a safe backup, while Deshaun Watson’s injury-plagued tenure and massive contract make him a trade or cut candidate. Kenny Pickett, despite a shaky stint as a starter in Pittsburgh, remains in the mix, and one of the rookies – likely Sanders or Gabriel – could be on the chopping block by August.
Seizing the Opportunity Amidst Controversy
Sanders knows the importance of capitalizing on every opportunity, especially after his draft day celebration sparked controversy. The event, which featured piles of cash and a party vibe more befitting a first overall pick, drew criticism, but his stepbrother Deion Sanders Jr. defended it, noting that it was likely sponsored by a brand. Sanders is well advised by his father, Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, who is also his agent and whose influence may have played a role in his draft slide but will undoubtedly steer him through critical moments.
Deion’s advice, combined with Shedeur’s growing independence, positions him to navigate the challenges of the NFL. Rookie minicamp is just the beginning, and Sanders’ focus on improvement despite the noise underscores his willingness to prove himself in Cleveland or maybe in other team.
Read the full article here
