The surprising reason behind a top 7 NFL draft team passing on Shedeur Sanders

Shedeur Sanders' unexpected slide to the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft sparked nationwide buzz, as few anticipated he would fall to Day 3.

The surprising reason behind a top 7 NFL draft team passing on Shedeur Sanders

Shedeur Sanders (Image via IMAGO)

A few days have passed since Shedeur Sanders slid in the fifth round of the NFL Draft to become the newest addition to the already full quarterback room of the Cleveland Browns. The reason and speculations for his monumental slide were everywhere on the internet. But there were two that stood head and shoulders above the others.

By now, the entire world knows he’s the son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders. Shedeur undeniably has all the talent in the world, but Prime Time didn’t leave any stone unturned to support his blood.

The college football season was in full swing, and Deion pushed the idea that his son would choose the NFL team in due time. On top of it, he warned to follow the same path as Eli Manning and orchestrate a trade if the desired football team failed to draft him.

However, the most discussed topic on the draft slide is Sanders’ alleged ‘entitled’ behavior.

 If you ain’t trying to change the franchise or the culture, don’t [pick] me.

Shedeur Sanders said during the NFL Scouting Combine

NFL brass viewed the message as a red flag. His draft stock began to fall from that day. Insiders reported about his ‘snobbish’ attitude while speaking with general managers and scouts. To make matters worse, an anonymous scout told NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero that Sanders conducted himself poorly during interviews.

The New York Giants at three were one of the projected teams ready to draft Sanders. However, the Giants gave up their pursuit following a bad private meeting, as per the Ringer’s Todd McShay.

Another report supported McShay’s claims recently. ML Football on X shared that a team with a top 7 asked Sanders to study a playbook that they provided. The 23-year-old didn’t study when asked to draw up a play. The team passed on him in the draft.

Analyst wants media to stop painting Shedeur and Deion Sanders as victims

Sanders dropping to day three of the 2025 draft created unprecedented buzz around the country. No one expected him to slide to the fifth round.

The surprising reason behind a top 7 NFL draft team passing on Shedeur Sanders
Shedeur Sanders (Image via IMAGO)

A wave of support flocked in favor of the Sanders family, especially after ESPN’s draft specialist went on a rant against the NFL teams for not having a shred of a clue on how to evaluate a quarterback.

Colin Cowherd has a different way of looking at it. He doesn’t view Sanders as a victim because, realistically, only three teams were linked with the 2024 FBS leader in pass completions.

Can we stop with this narrative? It’s the worst take and narrative happening in sports now… There were only about three teams we thought were going to take a quarterback in round one. Tennessee [Titans], the Giants, who were clearly not interested, bad interview with Shedeur, and then Pittsburgh [Steelers] for sure. Cleveland, by trading down, told you they may get a backup, but they’re gonna get their starting quarterback next year.

Colin Cowherd said via The Herd

Cowherd doubled down on his hypothesis. He explained that most teams were set with their starting quarterback. They went into the draft to select a backup or someone who can be a starter in three or four years down the line.

For example, the Steelers took Will Howard because they are still holding out for Aaron Rodgers. They picked Oregon’s Derrick Harmon in the first round.

As you guys can see, not only in that pick but all our others, there’s a commitment here with this draft group to re-establish physicality and big man presence… Derrick Harmon fits that bill. We like his physical stature—we like his style of play. It’s just what we covet and what we need.

Mike Tomlin said via TalkSport

Sanders isn’t bothered by all the talk about him. He’s focused on bringing joy back to the city of Cleveland. The Browns have been a struggling club for decades, and maybe Sanders can drag them out of the hellhole.

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