Shedeur Sanders (Photo By Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images)
It took longer than expected, but Shedeur Sanders finally heard his name called. After days of uncertainty, the Cleveland Browns made the bold move to grab the former Colorado quarterback, putting an end to his slide in the 2025 NFL Draft.

For a player once projected as a potential first-round pick, Sanders’ drop sparked a wave of speculation across the league.

The Browns didn’t hesitate when the opportunity came. Despite already selecting Dillon Gabriel earlier in the weekend, Cleveland saw too much upside to let Sanders pass by again. General manager Andrew Berry, speaking with ESPN’s Daniel Oyefusi, made it clear the team valued Sanders highly and believed the cost was more than reasonable.

League Consensus And Browns’ Calculated Bet

Shedeur Sanders (Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images)

According to Oyefusi’s report, a team source close to the Browns revealed that most NFL teams had Sanders graded as a Day 2 talent, meaning second or third round. The fact that he went in the fifth round, behind multiple other quarterbacks he was supposedly rated higher than, only raises more questions than answers.

Berry acknowledged the unpredictable nature of the draft and stopped short of speculating on why Sanders fell.

“We felt like it got to a point where [Sanders] was probably mispriced relative to the draft,” Berry told ESPN. “Really, the acquisition cost was pretty light, and it’s a guy that we think can outproduce his draft slot.”

Berry didn’t flinch when asked about the potential risks of doubling down at quarterback. Instead, he praised Sanders for his production and poise throughout his college career. “All I can say is this: The time that we spent with Shedeur and what he’s done throughout his college career is impressive,” he said.

While the league’s consensus may have pegged Sanders outside the top 32, the Browns believe they got a quarterback with much more to offer. As training camp approaches, the attention will shift to the field. Sanders now controls the narrative.

“It’s less about where you get picked, and what you do after you get picked,” Berry said. “That’s really the most important thing.”

With a chip on his shoulder and a fresh start in Cleveland, Sanders steps into a pivotal offseason. If he plays up to the expectations he once carried, the Browns might have landed one of the biggest steals of the 2025 NFL Draft.