Shedeur Sanders Drafted by Browns After Slide

Shedeur Sanders, once seen as a first-round prospect, fell to the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, where the Cleveland Browns selected him at No. 144. Both the Las Vegas Raiders and Pittsburgh Steelers were expected to pick Sanders, but passed, with Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin publicly praising him but giving no explanation. Reports about poor pre-draft interviews, including with the New York Giants, were disputed by Deion Sanders, who defended his son's reputation and college achievements. Tom Brady, a minority owner of the Raiders, denied influencing the team's draft choices and instead offered Sanders encouragement, drawing on his own draft slide experience. The incident has fueled controversy over media speculation, family involvement, and the unpredictable nature of the NFL Draft. Sanders now aims to prove himself with the Browns as he begins rookie minicamp.