Raiders Pass on Sanders Despite Brady Connection
The Las Vegas Raiders, like every other NFL team, repeatedly passed on Shedeur Sanders during last month’s draft. What adds intrigue to the situation is the presence of Raiders minority owner Tom Brady, who shares a close relationship with Sanders.
In an appearance on the Impaulsive podcast, Brady was asked why the Colorado quarterback fell all the way to pick 144 in the draft. “It’s a good question,” Brady said after stuttering at the inquiry. “I wasn’t a part of any evaluation process.”
Brady Reaches Out to Sanders With Encouragement
Despite his lack of involvement in the formal evaluation, Brady revealed he reached out to Sanders personally following the draft.
“I actually texted Shedeur because I know him very well. And I said, Dude. Like, whatever happens, wherever you go, like, that’s your first day. Day two matters more than the draft. I was [Pick] 199. So, who could speak on it better than me, like, what that really means? Use it as motivation. You’re gonna get your chances. Go take advantage of it.'”
Brady’s Possible Influence on Raiders’ QB Room
Brady was expected to have input in the Raiders’ quarterback decisions this offseason and he may have influenced the team’s acquisition of Geno Smith. His opinion may also have been sought when it came to sixth-round pick Cam Miller, with Raiders general manager John Spytek noting that Brady “liked the way he threw it.”
This suggests Brady’s insight may have factored into at least some quarterback discussions.
Still, the Raiders chose to pass on Sanders seven times throughout the draft. Even the Cleveland Browns, who eventually selected Sanders in the fifth round, passed on him six times. Including when they drafted quarterback Dillon Gabriel in the third round.
Brady’s Message: Let Performance Speak
Brady offered further perspective on the draft process and urged Sanders to focus on performance over pedigree. “Use it as motivation. Wherever you end up going, it’s about your performance. What do you do when you get there?”
Brady noted that like Sanders, he had been overlooked in the draft, taken at pick 199. And that many of the NFL’s most successful players came from humble beginnings.
“What does it matter other than some overhyped day, where people are selling stories and saying ‘Alright, this is the big day, and this is the draft?'” he said.
“And it’s an important day, and it’s fun, and I love watching it and seeing it. But I’ve actually been there on day two when they have to show up and actually learn a playbook, learn to be a part of a locker room. There is a lot of growth that needs to happen.”
Brady also pointed out that he had played with other great late-round or undrafted talents like Rodney Harrison, Julian Edelman, Wes Welker and Danny Amendola. All of whom thrived despite being overlooked initially.
Sanders’ Challenge: Earn the Locker Room
Now a Cleveland Brown, Shedeur Sanders enters a crowded quarterback room featuring Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel and an injured Deshaun Watson. His journey will require more than talent, it will take leadership, according to Brady.
“He’s gotta show up every day. As a quarterback you have to be a leader,” Brady said. “To be a leader is: Do I care about my teammates, and do I care about what we’re trying to accomplish? Rules one and two. And I would say that to every quarterback that I come across. That’s what’s endearing to your teammates.”
“You’re not just appealing to your 22-year-old rookie. You’re appealing to the 32-year-old veteran who is trying to get the last couple years out of his career. You’re appealing to the coach who doesn’t want to get fired. You’re appealing to the owner who has made an investment in you. You’re appealing to the staff, whose lives are riding on the fact that you need to perform well.”
Brady summed up what truly matters in an NFL locker room “The only thing that mattered over time were my teammates. Did they feel like I gave them the best chance to win?”
A New Chapter Begins in Cleveland
Brady won a lot throughout his Hall of Fame career. Now it’s Shedeur Sanders’ turn to prove himself. The draft may be behind him, but the real competition and his chance to win over his teammates begins now.
