Shedeur Sanders' entry into the NFL with the Cleveland Browns was marked by an unexpected slide in the draft, as teams repeatedly passed on the highly regarded quarterback prospect. Eventually selected in the fifth round at 144th overall by the Browns, Sanders' arrival sparked minor controversy, given the Browns had just chosen another quarterback, Dillon Gabriel, two rounds earlier. A potential conflict over jersey numbers emerged with running back Quinshon Judkins, who, like Sanders, desired the No. 2 jersey, a number significant to Sanders due to his father's legacy. Despite this, it is anticipated that Sanders will secure his preferred number, as quarterbacks often have priority, and the situation serves as a minor test of his leadership skills. Both Sanders and the Cleveland organization are keen for a smooth beginning to his career, and the number issue is expected to be resolved amicably without significant disruption.

Shedeur Sanders experienced a significant drop in the NFL draft, going from a consensus first-round prospect to being selected in the fifth round by the Cleveland Browns at No. 144 overall, which marked an unexpected and controversial beginning to his professional career.

The Browns' decision to draft Sanders was seen as contentious because they had already selected another quarterback, Dillon Gabriel, two rounds earlier, adding to the intrigue of their choice and the team's quarterback dynamics.

A potential dispute arose over the No. 2 jersey, a number of personal significance to Sanders as it was his father Deion Sanders' college number, with fellow Browns rookie Quinshon Judkins also expressing interest in wearing it.

The issue of jersey numbers is considered a minor conflict, likely to be resolved in Sanders' favor, as quarterbacks generally have precedence in choosing lower numbers, and this situation provides an opportunity for Sanders to demonstrate leadership and negotiation skills.

The Browns and Sanders are both eager for a positive start to his tenure with the team, and the resolution of the jersey number situation is expected to occur smoothly, ensuring no major disruptions to the team's dynamics or Sanders' adjustment to the NFL.

Shedeur Sanders' tenure with the Cleveland Browns didn't get off to the best start.

NFL teams passed on him over and over again, turning the consensus first-round QB draft prospect into a polarizing player in free fall.

The Browns mercifully ended that slide in the fifth round at No. 144 overall.

MORE: How Mel Kiper Jr.'s draft rankings of the past bode poorly for Shedeur

Of course, even that came with controversy because the Browns had just drafted QB Dillon Gabriel out of Oregon two rounds earlier.

But the draft is the past now, and it's time for Cleveland to move forward.

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One discussion that always excites rookies is their new uniform numbers. 

Sanders has worn No. 2 for a long time, after his father Deion's college number.

MORE: 3 bold predictions for Shedeur Sanders' rookie NFL season

But there's another Browns player who wants that number, as well. Running back Quinshon Judkins, the No. 36 overall pick out of Ohio State, asks for it in this video.

a sneak peek at what the new guys *might* be wearing this season 👀 pic.twitter.com/VInFDlhLKV

— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) April 27, 2025

MORE: How Browns' Shedeur Sanders ruined NFL Draft coverage for Titans' Cam Ward

Judkins did give other options, and it's not clear when this video was made in relation to Sanders' draft selection.

It likely won't be a big conflict, and Sanders can probably end up with his No. 2 as we'd expect, especially given the comment about quarterbacks getting priority of those lower numbers.

It'll actually be a good, tiny test of Sanders' leadership if he has to negotiate on uniform numbers with Judkins. Most likely, they'll get along just fine and settle things simply.

Sanders certainly would like a smooth start to his Browns tenure, and so would all of Cleveland.

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