Who Drafted Shedeur Sanders? Browns Pick QB in 5th Round

When a quarterback once talked about as a potential first-round pick hears his name called on Day 3, you know something unusual happened. Shedeur Sanders, the Colorado standout and Heisman finalist, slid all the way to the fifth round before the Cleveland Browns grabbed him with the 144th pick (NPR).

Team: Cleveland Browns ·
Round: 5 ·
Pick: 144 (overall) ·
Position: Quarterback ·
College: Colorado ·
Age at Draft: 23

Nine key facts about Shedeur Sanders and his path to the NFL, one pattern: a talented quarterback who fell much further than expected but landed with a team that actively prioritized him.

Who decided to draft Shedeur Sanders?

The decision ultimately sits with the Cleveland Browns front office, led by general manager Andrew Berry and approved by owner Jimmy Haslam. Brown selected Sanders with the 144th overall pick in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft (NFL.com). The team viewed him as a “best player available” pick and did not expect him to still be on the board at that point (ESPN).

Who announced the Shedeur Sanders draft?

The selection was announced from the NFL Draft stage, likely by a league representative. The Cleveland Browns official video confirmed the pick on April 26, 2025 (Cleveland Browns).

What role did Jimmy Haslam play in the decision?

Jimmy Haslam, the Browns owner, was involved in the discussion. He explained after the draft that the organisation felt Sanders’ talent was too valuable to pass up at that spot (ESPN).

The implication: Cleveland’s front office saw an opportunity to add a high-ceiling prospect at minimal cost, and they acted decisively.

How did Shedeur Sanders get drafted?

Sanders was selected in the fifth round, No. 144 overall, by the Cleveland Browns. He was the second quarterback drafted by the Browns that weekend, after Dillon Gabriel went at No. 94 (ESPN). The Browns traded picks 166 and 192 to the Seattle Seahawks to move up and secure Sanders (NFL.com).

How did the Browns pick Shedeur Sanders in Rd. 5?

They made a trade with the Seahawks, giving up two later picks to climb into position at No. 144. The move was seen as a signal that the team wanted Sanders specifically (NFL.com).

What was the pre-draft expectation for Sanders?

Pre-draft projections often placed Sanders in the first or second round, sometimes as high as the top 15 (NPR). His fall through the first four rounds was widely covered as one of the biggest surprises of the draft (NPR).

The pattern: a team that values upside over draft capital, betting on development.

Why did Shedeur Sanders drop in the draft?

Analysts have cited concerns about arm strength, the level of competition at Colorado, and off-field narrative as reasons for the slide (NBC News). The drop was unexpected given his college production: 4,134 yards and 37 touchdowns in 2024, plus a Heisman finalist nod.

Why was Shedeur Sanders drafted so late?

While the exact answer is speculative, the consensus from scouting reports points to a combination of perceived shortcomings in physical tools and a loaded quarterback class. The Browns themselves admitted they were surprised Sanders was still there (NFL.com).

What factors contributed to his slide?

• Arm strength questions (NBC News)
• Off-field distractions surrounding the Sanders family brand (NBC News)
• Playing behind an elite offensive line at Colorado that may have inflated numbers
• A deep quarterback class that pushed other prospects ahead

The catch: a player with elite production but questioned traits is a test case for how teams value data versus projection.

Why was Shilo Sanders not drafted?

Shilo Sanders, Shedeur’s older brother and a defensive back from Colorado, was not selected in the 2025 NFL Draft. His injury history and inconsistent play were cited as reasons. He later signed as an undrafted free agent with the Dallas Cowboys.

What is Shilo Sanders’ draft status?

Undrafted. He went through the entire seven rounds without hearing his name called.

Did any team sign Shilo Sanders as an undrafted free agent?

Yes, the Dallas Cowboys signed him to a contract shortly after the draft.

The implication: second-chance opportunities exist even for undrafted players, but the odds are steeper.

What did Tom Brady say about Shedeur Sanders?

Tom Brady praised Shedeur Sanders during a pre-draft appearance on the Let’s Go! podcast. Brady noted that Sanders’ father, Deion Sanders, taught him well and that the young quarterback displays remarkable poise (ESPN).

When did Tom Brady comment on Shedeur Sanders?

The comments were made in April 2025, before the draft.

What was the context of Brady’s remarks?

Brady was hosting the podcast and discussing top quarterback prospects. He mentioned Sanders specifically as someone who has the “it factor” and credited Deion Sanders for instilling discipline (ESPN).

The consequence: a high-profile endorsement can boost confidence but also intensify scrutiny.

The pattern: a series of rapid events that reshaped the quarterback landscape in Cleveland.

Shedeur Sanders’ draft story is a study in perception and opportunity. He produced like a first-rounder, was evaluated like a mid-rounder, and landed in a quarterback room that offers both competition and mentorship. For the Browns, the bet is that a player who fell can rise again. For Sanders, the challenge is proving the doubters wrong—or confirming them. The next chapter starts in Cleveland’s training camp.