The most stunning development of this year’s NFL draft was just how far former Colorado Buffaloes star quarterback Shedeur Sanders slid down the board. Once considered a protected first-round pick throughout most of the offseason, Sanders unexpectedly fell to the fifth round.
With the 144th overall pick, the Cleveland Browns selected Sanders as their second quarterback of the weekend, just two rounds after drafting Dillon Gabriel from Oregon.
Now, with rookie minicamp behind them and offseason workouts ramping up ahead of training camp, Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski shared a clear message about what he’s seen from Sanders during his first month with the team.
“He’s in there early, he’s getting his work done, he’s working really, really hard,” Stefanski said. “I like everything there is about Shedeur.”
Whatever factors contributed to Shedeur Sanders’ draft slide—whether it was his pre-draft interviews, limited participation in the combine, or perceptions of him and his father, Deion Sanders’ demeanor—he has embraced his opportunity in Cleveland. It’s well-known he’ll have to earn his chance in a crowded quarterback room.
The Browns currently have Deshaun Watson under contract, rehabbing an Achilles injury, alongside rookies Dillon Gabriel and Sanders, as well as veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett, both signed during the offseason.
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) walks off the field after rookie minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) walks off the field after rookie minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Sanders played four seasons of college football under his father’s coaching. He spent two years at Jackson State in the FCS before transferring to Colorado for his final two seasons, declaring for the draft alongside his brother Shilo Sanders and Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter.
In two seasons with the Buffaloes, Sanders completed 71.8% of his passes for 7,364 yards, 64 touchdowns, and just 13 interceptions, posting an impressive 160.4 passer rating.