Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
The 2025 NFL Draft delivered an array of unexpected outcomes, with Shedeur Sanders’ journey capturing significant attention. The quarterback from Colorado was eventually chosen by the Cleveland Browns in the fifth round, sparking widespread discussions among sports analysts and fans alike.
After his selection, Sanders expressed gratitude through a heartfelt message on social media, stating, “Thank you GOD.” This momentous occasion was overshadowed by ongoing speculation about how he fell down the draft rankings despite strong performances during his college career. Multiple voices within the sports community have begun to examine the factors that contributed to his lower selection.
Among those weighing in is Cris Carter, a Pro Football Hall of Famer and former NFL star, who has openly criticized Sanders’ decision-making process leading up to the draft. Carter’s insights have added depth to the conversation surrounding Sanders’ selection.
Carter argued that Sanders and his family may have miscalculated their strategy, potentially costing him millions of dollars in potential earnings. During his appearance on the “Fully Loaded” podcast, Carter stated that Sanders approached the draft as if he were on par with top prospects like Eli Manning. However, he believed this mindset contributed to his unexpected draft placement.
“Them trying to narrow the teams that he was going to go to? That didn’t go right,” Carter said. He raised concerns about Sanders not participating in the NFL Combine, which he described as a critical error in showcasing his skills. Furthermore, Carter noted that Sanders’ interview performance did not meet expectations, leading many evaluators to perceive him as entitled.
Carter has also dismissed the idea that NFL teams conspired to exclude Sanders from being a higher draft pick. He asserted that Sanders and his family “overplayed their hand,” contributing to his fall in the draft order. Carter pointed out that the premise of collusion among team owners lacks credibility. NFL franchises are highly competitive, and any team in need of a quarterback would be unlikely to pass on a talented player without substantial justification.
“Each owner is driven by self-interest,” Carter emphasized. He argued that the notion of collusion is unfounded, stating, “If I need a quarterback and I think this kid is it, why would I agree to keep him off my board?” Carter reminded listeners that quarterbacks who have previously fallen in the draft often possessed unique attributes that made them attractive, despite their lower selections.
Although Carter acknowledged that Sanders demonstrated potentials worthy of a first-round pick, he questioned the quarterback’s physical attributes. According to Carter, Sanders lacks a powerful arm and does not possess the traditional size or athleticism expected of first-round talent. Instead, he praised Sanders for playing with the heart and mind of a first-rounder but cautioned that personal character traits also play a significant role in determining a player’s draft status.
“He doesn’t have a big-time arm. He’s not a big guy. He’s not overly athletic. His measurables are not, say, first-round measurables,” Carter noted. He emphasized, however, that players are not defined solely by their physical capabilities. “You’re a human-being the rest of the time,” he added, highlighting the importance of a player’s attitude and behavior off the field.
Sanders concluded the 2024 season with impressive statistics, including 4,134 passing yards, showcasing his capability as a starter. He is the son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders and serves as the head coach for the Colorado football team. His entry into the NFL comes as he prepares to compete in a crowded quarterback room in Cleveland alongside established players Deshaun Watson, Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, and Dillon Gabriel.
As discussions surrounding Sanders’ draft journey continue, it raises important questions about the intersection of talent, strategy, and personal conduct in the highly competitive landscape of professional football. Observers await to see how Sanders will adapt to the challenges ahead as he embarks on his NFL career.
Sports analysts are eager to follow the developments of Sanders and his integration into the Browns roster. Only time will reveal how his decisions during the draft process will influence his career trajectory and opportunities in the National Football League.
