The Cleveland Browns made headlines by trading up in the fifth round to select Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders with the 144th overall pick. This choice came after a notable drop in his draft stock, as Sanders was once projected to be a first-round prospect but ultimately found himself waiting until Day 3 to hear his name called. The Browns’ decision to trade their 166th and 192nd picks for Sanders marks a pivotal moment for a franchise seeking to solidify its quarterback situation.
Sanders’ journey to the Browns is particularly significant given the state of the organization’s quarterback position. Just last month, owner Jimmy Haslam openly questioned the decision to acquire quarterback Deshaun Watson, highlighting that the trade, which involved three first-round picks and a staggering $230 million fully guaranteed contract, has not panned out as hoped. Watson has struggled mightily since arriving in Cleveland and is now facing an uncertain future due to a right Achilles injury, which has sidelined him and raised concerns about his long-term availability.
With Sanders now joining the fray, he’s the second quarterback drafted by the Browns in 2025, following the earlier selection of Dillon Gabriel from Oregon in the third round. This new quarterback room is shaping up to be quite the mix, featuring veteran Joe Flacco and former first-rounder Kenny Pickett, both of whom were brought in during the offseason as well.
Browns general manager Andrew Berry explained the reasoning behind selecting Sanders after already drafting Gabriel, emphasizing a strategy focused on maximizing talent at the game’s most crucial position. Berry’s decision reflects a commitment to remaining flexible throughout the draft while recognizing the unusual opportunity presented by Sanders’ fall. “Once it got to a point where it felt like it was a pretty steep discount, we just felt like… this made the most sense,” he noted.
The reasons behind Sanders’s drop in the draft are complex. While concerns about his top-end talent were apparent, the real mystery was how he slipped past Day 1 and even out of the second round. Those around the league noted that his predraft process had issues, especially during interviews, and some have suggested that potential distractions may have factored into teams’ decisions. Additionally, a scarcity of teams in need of a quarterback by the time Sanders was available also contributed to his slide.
Across the league, many evaluators found it hard to believe that Sanders lasted until the fifth round, noting that he had been regarded as a Day 2 pick by several scouts and even as a late first-round talent by some. His style of play fits well within Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski’s offensive scheme, particularly his capacity to excel with play action. However, the challenge lies in Sanders now competing with Gabriel, Flacco, and Pickett for a starting role.
As the Browns attempt to overhaul their quarterback situation, they are navigating a complex landscape created by Watson’s injuries and disappointing performances. There remains uncertainty around Watson’s availability, which further complicates the organizational direction. Although he is still under contract for two more years and Cleveland has substantial financial obligations, the recent draft choices indicate a shift towards exploring new solutions behind center.
Stefanski underscored the importance of competition within the quarterback room, suggesting that everyone, including Sanders, will need to prove themselves worthy of the starting spot. This restructured dynamic emphasizes the urgency for both Stefanski and Berry as they aim to find an effective signal-caller and stabilize the position following a tumultuous few seasons marked by instability.
For Shedeur Sanders, the road ahead presents a significant opportunity to showcase his talents and perhaps establish himself as the long-awaited answer to the Browns’ quarterback quandary. Not only does he bring physicality and mental resilience, but he has also demonstrated the ability to make high-pressure plays. While there will be challenges to address—such as his tendency to hold onto the ball too long—Sanders possesses the tools to excel, including a strong arm and an impressive knack for reading defenses. As he embarks on this new chapter in Cleveland, the franchise and its fans will be watching closely to see if he can rise to the occasion and carve out his place in the NFL.
