There’s no doubt that Shedeur Sanders, the 2025 draft prospect, is a talented quarterback. He had an impressive career, setting multiple records at Colorado in 2024 – including passing yards, completions, attempts, touchdowns, completion percentage, and quarterback rating. Heading into the draft, he was projected as a first round pick in most mock drafts.
But as the drama unfolded live last Thursday, Sanders did not receive the life-changing call until the fifth round. He was ultimately selected by the Cleveland Browns, making him a fifth round draft pick. The Browns now have five quarterbacks on their roster, including Dillon Gabriel, their third-round draft pick out ofOregon. This unexpected slide has led many to ask: What set Sanders back in the draft?
Sanders is the son of legendary football player Deion Sanders—also known as “Coach Prime”—a two-time Super Bowl-winning champion who was inducted into both the College Football and Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011. Across the league, there has been ongoing discussion about the culture of NFL football and whether his father’s strong influence played a role in Sanders' unexpected slide. Former NFL defensive end Hugh Douglas told USA TODAY Sports, “His father has a strong presence in his life. Not to mention, he has been through this process. I think a lot of people are intimidated by that.”
While some argue that Deion Sanders had no impact on his son’s draft position, it's undeniable that their close relationship shapes how Sanders is perceived. NFL teams expect players to adapt and work under new coaches without external influence. Not to mention, due to his father’s fame, Sanders has become a prominent figure in the media spotlight. Given the league’s sensitivity to media scrutiny and controversy, these factors may have contributed to his fall to the overall 144th pick.
Was the NFL making an example of Shedeur Sanders—sending a message that the league is entering a new era of professionalism? On NFL on CBS, Buffalo Bills Running Back Damien Harris addressed this possibility saying, “These kids, they have a lot of power. Especially a kid like Shedeur, whose father happens to be ‘PrimeTime’ Sanders… And I think this is the perfect example of it, and unfortunately, it has to be Shedeur.”
Although it may seem unlikely that a team would pass on a talented quarterback due to media presence, consider the prank calls that unfolded during this year’s draft process. Amid the emotional toll of going undrafted, Shedeur Sanders received a prank call from Ole Miss college students impersonating the New Orleans Saints. It was later revealed that Jax Ulbrich—the son of Falcons offensive coordinator Jeff Ulbirch—was involved. Recordings of both sides of the prank surfaced online and quickly went viral, prompting public apologies and statements from those involved.
This incident displays the media traction that often follows Sanders, suggesting that it may have played a role in his slide. In today's NFL, constant exposure through social media, live streams, and platforms like Tik Tok introduces a new level of scrutiny. That level of attention, paired with controversy, can be a red flag for franchises focusing on stability and a clean image.
So why did Sanders fall? Was it Deion's outsized influence? Sanders' highly public lifestyle? Or was it simply the politics of a league still adapting to a new media era? One thing’s for sure: when the 2025 NFL season begins, all eyes will be on Shedeur Sanders.
The opinions desk can be reached at opinions@ubspectrum.com
