Why did Shedeur Sanders fall to pick 144? NFL teams may regret this one

When the 2025 NFL Draft ended, one surprising story stood out, Shedeur Sanders falling all the way to the 144th pick. Many experts expected Sanders to be selected in the first or second round, given his impressive college performance and clear NFL potential. His unexpected drop raised questions across the league—was it a simple oversight, or were other factors at play? While the Cleveland Browns quickly recognized his talent and seized the opportunity, the bigger question remains: why did such a promising quarterback slip so far in the draft?Shedeur Sanders’ draft position is a glaring anomaly in an industry obsessed with talent and potential. Analysts across the league agree that Sanders was worthy of a top-two-round selection based on his collegiate performance at Colorado, where he showcased accuracy, decision-making, and leadership. Nathan Zegura, a Browns insider, emphasized that many draft experts expected Sanders to go early: “There isn't a single person I've talked to in the draft media world or the NFL world in my various contacts – a lot of people come through our building that didn't have him as a first or second-round quarterback on tape.”So, why did teams pass? One theory centers on the shadow cast by his father, Deion Sanders, arguably one of football’s most flamboyant personalities. While having an NFL Hall of Famer as a dad can open doors, it may have also created doubt among front offices about media distractions or unrealistic expectations. This kind of bias, whether fair or not, raises uncomfortable questions about the NFL’s evaluation process.The Cleveland Browns, a franchise historically desperate for a quarterback solution, capitalized on the situation. By selecting Shedeur in the fifth round, they potentially landed a franchise-caliber player for a bargain price. Sanders has the talent and drive to silence critics and prove that draft position isn’t destiny.Also Read: Cowboys acquire George Pickens in controversial trade despite behavioral “Red Flags”His journey now becomes about more than just football, it’s a statement against prejudice and preconceptions in pro sports. The Browns may have found their next star, but the league at large might need to reflect on why such an obvious talent was overlooked for so long.