Shedeur Sanders experienced a significant drop in the 2025 NFL Draft, eventually being selected by the Cleveland Browns in the fifth round, a development that shocked many given his previous first-round projections. Analysts attribute his draft slide to his unconventional approach to pre-draft visits, treating them more like recruiting trips than serious job interviews, and his decision not to hire an agent, which may have deprived him of valuable insights into the draft process. His father, Deion Sanders, a Pro Football Hall of Famer, acted as his informal advisor, but this may not have sufficed in the professional landscape. Reports from NFL insiders highlighted issues such as poor interview performance, entitlement, and questionable on-field decision-making, further dampening his draft prospects. Despite the criticisms, Sanders finished the 2024 season with over 4,000 passing yards and will now compete for a position in a crowded Cleveland Browns quarterback room.

Shedeur Sanders' unexpected drop in the 2025 NFL Draft saw him being picked in the fifth round by the Cleveland Browns, contrary to earlier expectations of a first-round selection.

A significant factor contributing to Sanders' draft fall was his approach to pre-draft visits, which he treated more like recruiting trips, possibly leading teams to view him as less serious about the professional transition.

Sanders' choice to forego hiring an agent, instead relying on his father Deion Sanders as an informal advisor, may have deprived him of professional guidance critical for navigating the draft landscape.

An anonymous NFL assistant coach criticized Sanders for his poor interview performance, describing it as the worst he'd encountered, and cited issues such as entitlement and poor on-field decision-making.

Despite the setbacks and criticisms, Sanders had an impressive college season with 4,134 passing yards, and he now faces the challenge of standing out in a competitive Browns quarterback lineup.