When asked has Sanders been drafted this weekend, the answer for Shedeur Sanders is a resounding yes. In a surprising turn of events late Saturday, the Cleveland Browns moved up from their original fifth-round slots (picks 166 and 192) to snatch Sanders at No. 144, sending those two selections to the Seattle Seahawks. The move ends Sanders’ unexpected fall into Day 3 and injects fresh competition into the Browns’ crowded QB room.
General manager Andrew Berry revealed that Cleveland had evaluated Sanders throughout the process—meeting him at the East-West Shrine Bowl, hosting him at the scouting combine, and even sharing dinner in Boulder with Deion Sanders. Despite bypassing him twice—first trading down from No. 2 overall and then selecting Dillon Gabriel in Round 3—Sanders remained on the board and in the Browns’ plans.
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Berry explained the rationale behind the bold move:
- Best Player Available: “We believe in positional value and competition,” Berry said.
- Steep Discount: With Sanders’ slide into the fifth round, “it made the most sense relative to other uses of the pick.”
- Quarterback Priority: Cleveland spent extensive time with Sanders and values accuracy and pocket play—qualities he displayed at Colorado.
Sanders immediately thanked “GOD” in an X post. For a player whose pedigree includes College Football Hall of Famer and coach Deion Sanders, this moment caps off a decorated college career.
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Joining a Revamped Browns QB Room
Shedeur Sanders enters a reshaped Cleveland Browns quarterback depth chart that already features:
- Deshaun Watson: Expected to miss much of 2025 after tearing his Achilles tendon again.
- Kenny Pickett: Acquired via trade with the Philadelphia Eagles this offseason.
- Joe Flacco: Signed in free agency to bring veteran leadership.
- Dillon Gabriel: Selected in Round 3 to potentially push for playing time.
Coach Kevin Stefanski has made it clear that every signal-caller will compete for the starting job. With Watson sidelined, Sanders has an immediate opportunity to showcase his skills.
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Sanders’ College Credentials and Awards
A four-year starter, Sanders spent two seasons at FCS Jackson State under his father before transferring to Colorado. His 2024 highlights include:
- 74% Completion Rate: Led the FBS in accuracy.
- 37 Passing Touchdowns: Second-most in the FBS.
- Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year: Recognized as the conference’s top offensive talent.
- Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award: Honored as the nation’s premier upperclassman quarterback.
- Second-Team All-American: Cementing his status among college football’s elite.
This resume convinced the Browns that, at a “steep discount,” Sanders was too valuable to pass up.
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What’s Next for Sanders and the Browns
As training camp approaches, Sanders will vie with established veterans for snaps. His success could influence Cleveland’s QB depth chart and long-term plans. Meanwhile, the trade also cost the Browns draft capital—two mid-round picks—which they’ll need to replace through savvy personnel moves.
For Sanders, the journey—from NCAA star to NFL hopeful—now enters its most critical phase. He arrives in Cleveland with high expectations and enough talent to make a push for early playing time, especially with Watson sidelined.
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