Kyle Brandt, an NFL Network analyst, criticized the media's narrative regarding Shedeur Sanders' fall to the fifth round of the NFL draft, suggesting that it turned from a sports story into a media frenzy. Brandt argued that accusations of racial bias and conspiracy theories were unfounded, as NFL teams are primarily focused on winning games rather than engaging in collusion. He emphasized that if teams had truly believed Sanders could help them win, they would have drafted him earlier, irrespective of his race or media attention. Brandt expressed frustration with the media's portrayal, which he believed could negatively impact fans' perceptions of Sanders. Ultimately, Brandt suggested that the lack of immediate playtime opportunity and the associated media attention may have influenced the teams' decisions not to draft Sanders earlier.

Kyle Brandt criticized the media's portrayal of Shedeur Sanders' draft position, asserting that it transformed from a genuine football story into a chaotic media spectacle filled with baseless theories.

He challenged the narrative of racial bias and collusion suggested by pundits like Stephen A. Smith and Jamaal Bowman, arguing that NFL teams are driven by the desire to win, not by racial or conspiratorial motives.

Brandt emphasized that if NFL teams thought Sanders could improve their performance, they would have drafted him earlier, indicating that the decision was based on football potential rather than media narratives.

He expressed concern that the media's off-the-rails commentary could lead NFL fans to develop negative feelings toward Sanders, despite the young player's potential and achievements.

Brandt theorized that teams might have been hesitant to draft Sanders due to the potential media attention and celebrity status he would bring as a backup quarterback, suggesting that this might have influenced his draft position.

The broadcast highlighted that Sanders was ultimately selected 144th overall by the Cleveland Browns, where he will compete with other quarterbacks for a roster spot, including Kenny Pickett and Joe Flacco.

Brandt's critique underscored the need for media narratives to reflect the practical realities of NFL team decisions, rather than sensationalized theories disconnected from actual team strategies and priorities.