Sports analyst Stephen A. Smith has reignited debate over why Shedeur Sanders, son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, fell dramatically to the 144th pick in this year’s NFL Draft. The comments come as Sanders begins competing for a roster spot in Cleveland’s crowded quarterback room, where he faces stiff competition from veteran Joe Flacco, fifth-year signal-caller Kenny Pickett – currently sidelined with injury – and fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel, who was drafted ahead of Sanders.
The Browns’ preseason officially kicks off this Thursday, July 31, with the Hall of Fame Game, as the team continues evaluating who will emerge as their starter heading into the 2025 season.
Stephen A. Smith’s pointed remarks
On ESPN’s First Take this week, Smith alleged that Shedeur’s draft-day fall had less to do with his on-field ability and more to do with resentment toward his father, Deion Sanders, whose outspoken nature has long divided opinions in football circles.
I talk to a lot of people in the world of sports, a lot of power brokers, a lot of people that are decision makers or whatever,”… “I heard a lot about what was going on with Shedeur Sanders going into the draft. And I will contest to you, I will proclaim to you on national television that so much of what happened to Shedeur Sanders at draft day, to drop to the 144th pick, a fifth rounder, when initially he was projected to be a top two or three quarterback taken in the draft. For all of that to happen to him. That was a slight, those were people that were hell bent on making sure Deion Sanders didn’t get his way. And they punished his son to punish him.
Smith said.
Smith further argued that if Shedeur’s father were not Deion Sanders, the young quarterback would likely have gone much earlier.
Universally they watched the interviews, they saw the way Deion Sanders was speaking or whatever and that’s what broke his heart,” Smith added. “I’m telling you what I know. It broke his heart because he knew there was no way his son was going to fall to a fifth round if it wasn’t for people that were taking shots at him.
Cleveland’s cryptic approach
For now, Sanders is focused on proving himself during training camp and preseason. Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski, meanwhile, has kept evaluations close to the vest, offering only vague updates on the rookie’s progress.
I’m not going to get in specifics on the players and where they’re getting reps, those type of things,” Stefanski said. “He’s working extremely hard. All those guys are. We’re still not yet through the installation schedule. We’re still just introducing two-minute yesterday. We’ll introduce some different distances today situationally. So I wouldn’t really think much past that.
With preseason just underway, Cleveland’s quarterback hierarchy remains fluid. While early speculation favors Pickett or the veteran Flacco, Dillon Gabriel has also made an impression in offseason workouts. For now, Sanders continues battling for recognition, determined to prove he belongs despite the draft-day slight that still lingers in the background.
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