Eddie George Weighs In on Shedeur Sanders’ Unexpected NFL Draft Outcome

Eddie George Weighs In on Shedeur Sanders’ Unexpected NFL Draft Outcome

Shedeur Sanders’ unexpected decline during the recent NFL Draft raised eyebrows among fans and analysts alike. However, former NFL star Eddie George expressed that the outcome did not come as a surprise to him.

Most NFL Draft experts predicted that Sanders would secure a first-round selection, making his fifth-round selection even more staggering. George, during a recent appearance on OutKick’s Don’t @ Me with Dan Dakich, shared his thoughts on the matter.

“I didn’t think it was a bit of a shock. I thought the NFL spoke, the draft spoke and made it clear that they didn’t see a first-round grade on this kid and that’s perfectly fine,” George stated.

Despite considerable expectations, teams conducted thorough evaluations. George highlighted that while many believed Sanders would be among the top three picks, a deep vetting process revealed some concerning insights. Personal interviews and performance evaluations indicated that teams were not convinced he was ready to start as a quarterback.

The Cleveland Browns, despite having chosen Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel in the third round, did take Sanders with the 144th overall pick. This marked a pivotal moment for the young talent.

George predicted that this experience might become a defining moment in Sanders’ career. He articulated, “I think this will be Shedeur’s finest hour. Now, he has the chance to compete for the job and demonstrate that teams overlooked his potential. I often tell young athletes that it’s not how you start in the NFL; it’s how you finish. He has his foot in the door and an opportunity to prove himself.”

As it stands, the Browns currently feature five quarterbacks on their roster, yet no clear starting quarterback emerges. Deshaun Watson is facing complications after re-rupturing his Achilles tendon earlier this year, casting doubt on his availability for the upcoming season.

Before the draft, the Browns acquired Kenny Pickett through a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles and signed Joe Flacco to a one-year contract. With the addition of both Gabriel and Sanders to their roster, the competition for the starting spot intensifies.

George, who had the chance to coach against Sanders last season at Tennessee State, commended the former Colorado signal-caller’s abilities. He stated, “He can spin it. I know the caliber of the man he is and the strong foundation he’s built. While some may view him as arrogant or not serious, he has the skills to succeed. He possesses a high football IQ and needs to continue honing that as he transitions to the NFL.”

With a successful nine-year NFL career, George made a significant impact as a running back. He spent eight memorable seasons with the Tennessee Titans and one with the Dallas Cowboys. His achievements include winning the Offensive Rookie of the Year award and earning four Pro Bowl selections, along with a First Team All-Pro designation in his career.

Throughout his time on the field, George rushed for an impressive 10,441 yards and recorded 68 touchdowns, establishing himself as a renowned figure in the sport.

Recently, George took on a new challenge, joining Bowling Green in March after serving as the head coach at Tennessee State for four seasons. His outstanding leadership earned him recognition as the Big South-Ohio Valley Conference Coach of the Year in 2024.

As Sanders prepares to embark on his professional career, the spotlight remains on him. The decisions he makes in the coming months will be crucial in determining his trajectory in the NFL.

What Lies Ahead for Shedeur Sanders?

With the NFL Draft as a pivotal milestone, Sanders’ journey is just beginning. As he steps into this new chapter, he will face challenges that will test his skills, resolve, and adaptability. George’s insights reflect the broader perspectives within the NFL; success in the league is often a combination of talent and perseverance.

Looking ahead, fans, analysts, and scouts will be observing Sanders closely. How he adapts to the fast-paced environment of the NFL and overcomes initial setbacks will define his future in the league. The journey from draft day to proving oneself as a starting quarterback is fraught with obstacles, yet it also presents significant opportunities for growth and success.

Sanders stands on the threshold of a promising career, tasked with transforming skepticism into affirmations of talent. As franchises seek quarterbacks to lead their teams, Sanders has a chance to elevate his status and become a pivotal player. The journey ahead may be strenuous, but with the right mindset and determination, he can carve out a prominent place for himself in the NFL.