Bomani Jones refuted the narrative comparing Shedeur Sanders' NFL draft experience to Colin Kaepernick's activism, dismissing claims that Sanders is outspoken without evidence of a cause he supports. Jones criticized Sanders' attitude during NFL meetings, suggesting it was a significant factor in his draft position rather than any injustice. He emphasized that being liked is crucial in securing a job in the NFL, yet Sanders' demeanor might have been a deterrent. Jones argued that the comparisons to Kaepernick are misguided, as Kaepernick sacrificed his career for a greater cause, unlike Sanders, who appears self-centered. Ultimately, whether Sanders can change the narrative and succeed depends on his future actions and growth in the league.

Shedeur Sanders was drafted in the fifth round by the Cleveland Browns, not as one of the top quarterbacks, leading to comparisons with Colin Kaepernick's journey, which Bomani Jones found baseless.

Jones challenged the idea that Sanders is outspoken, questioning what issues he has publicly addressed or causes he champions, and dismissing the notion as a mischaracterization.

Jones attributed Sanders' draft position to his attitude during NFL meetings rather than any racial or social injustice, highlighting that likability is essential for NFL prospects.

He pointed out that while Kaepernick sacrificed his career for a larger social cause, Sanders' actions appear self-serving, further invalidating the comparison between the two athletes.

Jones suggested Sanders’ current path and reputation might hinder his chances of becoming an NFL starter, urging him to reassess his approach if he wishes to succeed.

He criticized those pushing the narrative of Sanders as a victim of systemic issues, arguing that the focus should be on more significant societal problems rather than Sanders' NFL journey.

The onus is on Sanders to alter the public perception and prove himself in the league, as Jones left open the possibility for change depending on Sanders' future conduct and performance.

The Shedeur Sanders draft slide has come and gone as he was selected in the fifth round by the Cleveland Browns instead of the second or third quarterback picked this past week in the 2025 NFL Draft.

While some pundits have attempted to compare Sanders' draft journey to former quarterback Colin Kaepernick, former ESPN analyst-turned-podcaster Bomani Jones bought into none of Sanders' drama during a recent episode of "The Right Time."

“If your argument is ‘They wanted to show this outspoken Black man his place,’ number one, let us stop acting like outspoken and obnoxious are perfect synonyms,” Jones said. “They are not. Show me something that Shedeur Sanders has spoken out about. Tell me what that thing is, tell me what his cause is. He is not outspoken. I have not seen any reason to call him outspoken. Even if you think he has been treated unfairly, ‘outspoken’ is a stretch. And it is a ridiculous thing to say about him, I believe.”

Jones was far from done. Jones added it was Sanders' attitude in NFL meetings that were reportedly a major turnoff regardless of talent.

“To my colleagues who are making this a cause, you are embarrassing yourselves. You are playing yourselves,” Jones said.

There should be more concerns about Sanders' ability to play in the pros than any preconceived notions, according to Jones.

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"And even if part of why he fell is that people didn’t like him, he was going for a job where being liked is part of the deal," Jones said. "They did it wrong. That’s all it comes down to. They did it wrong. There are criticisms to be made of Colin Kaepernick, but he literally gave it all up in the name of a cause that was bigger than him. The only cause Shedeur Sanders has is himself."

Jones said the path Sanders is currently on won't allow teams to entertain making him a starter, much less the Browns.

"Look around you, the whole world is on fire," Jones said. And you think that this is the thing to get mad about? You think that this is the thing to go march on and talk about? Because the NFL told an apparently obnoxious young man that he wasn’t good enough to be a starter? He wasn’t good enough to be a starter.”

Either way, the narrative around Sanders is wrong by Jones' standards. Whether Sanders can fix it is on him, but only time will tell.