Shedeur Sanders' NFL Draft Slide Stuns Fans, ESPN Analyst Weighs In

The 2025 NFL Draft had its fair share of jaw-dropping moments, but Shedeur Sanders' dramatic tumble down the draft board definitely stole the show.

Once considered a top quarterback prospect, Sanders watched as team after team—many of them desperate for a QB—passed him over in the first three rounds. After a night of collective head-scratching, the mystery only deepened as the rounds ticked by.

ESPN's Pete Thamel, after speaking with several NFL teams, offered some insight: most didn’t see Sanders as a first-round talent. Teams reportedly questioned his athleticism and wanted more evidence of his ability to throw in rhythm. Ouch. That’s a tough pill to swallow for anyone, let alone the son of Hall of Famer and Colorado head coach Deion Sanders.

Thamel revealed that, since 2023, only one quarterback has been drafted in the second round, so Sanders wasn’t alone in feeling the chill from NFL front offices. Still, waiting until the fifth round for his name to be called? That’s a plot twist even Hollywood might call over the top.

Finally, the Cleveland Browns scooped up Sanders in the fifth round. He responded on social media with a simple, heartfelt message: "Thank you GOD." After a season with over 4,100 passing yards, he’s clearly got something to celebrate—maybe just not as soon as he’d hoped.

Sanders' journey from draft-day heartache to NFL opportunity is proof that even the most hyped prospects aren’t guaranteed a smooth ride. Sometimes, football gods have a wicked sense of humor.