A Stunning Fall in the 2025 NFL Draft
Over three days and five rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft, few storylines were as unexpected as Shedeur Sanders’ dramatic slide. Once projected as a potential first-round pick, the Colorado quarterback waited far longer than anticipated to hear his name called.
Adding to the surprise, the Cleveland Browns, long rumored as a possible destination for Sanders, selected Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel in the third round while Sanders was still available. Then, in a twist no one predicted, the Browns drafted Sanders in the fifth round. 50 picks after selecting Gabriel, making Sanders the second quarterback taken by Cleveland.
Embracing the Unexpected Pairing
Now teammates in one of the league’s most unconventional quarterback rooms, Sanders and Gabriel are making the best of the situation. According to Sanders, the two rookie quarterbacks are off to a strong start.
“Everything’s been cool,” Sanders told SportsCasting’s DJ Siddiqui. “He’s a cool person. I like how he handles situations, especially just the negative media that’s coming his way. I’m just happy he’s positive, he’s able to handle everything. We’re truly cool.”
Gabriel, viewed by some as a surprise Day 3 selection, spoke positively during rookie minicamp about the opportunity to grow together. “Learn from one another,” he said, a sentiment Sanders agreed with. They’re “for sure” learning from each other, he added.
Parallel Paths to Cleveland
Despite their different college experiences, Sanders and Gabriel share similarities in their journeys to the NFL. Gabriel, 24, played for three schools over six seasons: Central Florida, Oklahoma, and Oregon. In his final collegiate year, he threw for 3,857 yards and 30 touchdowns, earning Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year honors.
Sanders also had a multi-school journey, playing four seasons under his father and Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, at Jackson State and then Colorado. His senior season featured 4,134 passing yards and 37 touchdowns, leading to Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year recognition.
Now both rookies find themselves in Cleveland, part of a quarterback room that includes veterans and former top prospects.
A Crowded, Unconventional Quarterback Room
Cleveland’s current quarterback group is one of the NFL’s most eclectic: Joe Flacco, a Super Bowl MVP and seasoned veteran. Kenny Pickett, a 2022 first-round pick now on his third NFL team. Dillon Gabriel, a third-round rookie. And Shedeur Sanders, a high-profile fifth-round selection.
The group may eventually include Deshaun Watson, currently recovering from injury. In the meantime, Sanders is doing everything he can to earn his place and establish chemistry.
“I’ve mainly just been focusing on the team, everybody that’s currently around me, the coaches on the team,” Sanders explained. “I haven’t really been on my phone much or talking to many people. I really don’t even talk to my family. It’s one of those situations where I just have to lock in, stay focused on what’s present now.”
Staying Connected and Focused
As he settles into his NFL career, Sanders has also remained in touch with a familiar face: former Colorado teammate Travis Hunter, who was selected second overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars.
“Just stay focused is the main thing,” Sanders said of their conversations. “But we both know that, so we just check in to make sure we’re both progressing.”
That shared focus is driving Sanders forward after a humbling draft experience. Despite the surprising sequence of events that led him to Cleveland, he’s embracing the opportunity with clarity and commitment. “Making progress, after all, is priority No. 1.”
