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Shedeur Sanders Finally Drafted by Cleveland Browns After Rollercoaster NFL Draft Experience

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Shedeur Sanders, the highly touted quarterback son of Jackson State coach Deion Sanders, had to wait until Day 3 of the 2025 NFL Draft to hear his name called. Despite not being selected in the first round, the Cleveland Browns finally chose Sanders with the 144th overall pick in the fifth round on Saturday. The Browns' selection brings Sanders to the same team as quarterback Gabriele Gabriel, whom they picked up in the third round, making it four quarterbacks on the depth chart.

Key Takeaways:

  • Shedeur Sanders, a four-star recruit and top 100 overall prospect, was drafted by the Cleveland Browns with the 144th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft's fifth round.
  • Sanders, who initially committed to play at Florida Atlantic, earned SWAC Freshman of the Year honors in 2021 after throwing for 3,231 yards with 30 touchdowns to eight interceptions.
  • In 2022, Sanders topped his freshman performance, throwing for 3,752 yards, 40 touchdowns, and just six interceptions, earning SWAC Player of the Year honors.
  • After following his father to Colorado, Sanders earned second-team All-American honors and was named the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year and a Heisman Trophy finalist in 2023.
  • Sanders set a school record with 64 career passing touchdowns in just two seasons and led the FBS with a 74% completion rate.
  • The Browns' selection brings Sanders to the same team as quarterback Gabriele Gabriel, whom they picked up in the third round, making it four quarterbacks on the depth chart.
  • Deshaun Watson, the Browns' quarterback, is uncertain to play in 2025 after reinjuring his Achilles tendon.

Statistics:

  • 144: The number of overall picks Sanders was drafting at in the 2025 NFL Draft.
  • 2021: The year Sanders earned SWAC Freshman of the Year honors.
  • 3,231: The number of yards Sanders threw for as a freshman.
  • 30: The number of touchdowns Sanders threw for as a freshman.
  • 8: The number of interceptions Sanders threw as a freshman.
  • 3,752: The number of yards Sanders threw for in 2022.
  • 40: The number of touchdowns Sanders threw for in 2022.
  • 6: The number of interceptions Sanders threw in 2022.
  • 64: The number of career passing touchdowns Sanders set in two seasons.
  • 74: The completion rate percentage Sanders led the FBS with.

Sources:

  • [Cleveland Browns draft Shedeur Sanders in 5th round](https://www.cleveland.com/sports/2025/04/cleveland-browns-draft-shedeur-sanders-in-5th-round.html)
  • [Shedeur Sanders' college stats](https://sports-reference.com/cfb/player/shedeur-sanders)
  • [Deion Sanders' coaching career](https://www.jacksonstate.edu/athletics/football/coaches/deion-sanders)

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