In a surprising twist during the 2025 NFL Draft, the Cleveland Browns made a bold move by selecting Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders in the fifth round with the 144th pick. Many analysts had anticipated Sanders would be a top contender in the draft, often pegged as the No. 2 quarterback in his class and frequently mocked to go in the first round. His dramatic drop, however, ultimately became one of the draft’s biggest stories.
The Browns’ choice is intriguing for several reasons. Not only did they pass on Sanders multiple times throughout the early rounds, but they also opted to pick another QB, Dillon Gabriel from Oregon, in the third round. This creates a crowded quarterback room for Cleveland, featuring Deshaun Watson, Kenny Pickett, Gabriel, and the seasoned veteran Joe Flacco. Interestingly, during the draft’s opening night, there was a light-hearted moment when Sanders’ father, NFL great Deion Sanders, playfully threw some shade at Flacco, adding a bit of humor to the otherwise tense atmosphere.
Cameras captured a candid exchange between Deion and Shedeur as they discussed the Browns’ recent draft moves. Following a trade down from the second overall pick, Cleveland selected Michigan defensive lineman Mason Graham with the fifth overall choice, securing two of the top four picks in the second round. In that moment, Shedeur joked about the team’s quarterback situation: “I’ll tell you who they got. They got Joe Flacco.”
To which Deion replied with a chuckle, “Flacco my age!” while expressing his fondness for the veteran quarterback. Although Deion Sanders is just 17 years Flacco’s junior, it’s clear that the 40-year-old Flacco isn’t exactly the youngest player in the league.
This selection highlights the Browns’ ongoing strategy to reshape their quarterback roster, particularly important since Watson may be facing a long recovery after re-injuring his Achilles in January, potentially missing the entire 2025 season.
In a noteworthy stat from CBS Sports Research, the Browns now stand as the first team since the 2012 Washington Commanders to draft two quarterbacks in the first five rounds of the draft. Back then, Washington selected both Robert Griffin III and Kirk Cousins, and now Gabriel and Sanders will look to contribute to the Browns’ future ambitions. As the Browns navigate this new chapter, all eyes will be on how these quarterbacks develop and compete with each other in the upcoming season.
