"Shedeur Sanders’ Harsh Reality: Browns’ Rookie & GM Address Draft Day Fall"

Shedeur Sanders Embraces Underdog Role After Sliding to 144th Pick in NFL Draft
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[Image: Shedeur Sanders at a basketball game in December 2023, during his pre-draft rise]
Caption: Shedeur Sanders at a New York Knicks game in December 2023, when he was still projected as a potential top NFL draft pick.

Shedeur Sanders, the 23-year-old Colorado quarterback and son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, faced a humbling NFL Draft experience this week. Once projected as a first-round pick, he fell to the 144th selection in the fifth round, landing with the Cleveland Browns. The team’s crowded quarterback room—featuring veterans Joe Flacco, 39, and Kenny Pickett, 26, as well as rookie Dillon Gabriel—means Sanders must fight for his spot.

GM’s Candid Take
Browns General Manager Andrew Briggs addressed the unexpected pick, acknowledging Sanders’ unconventional path. “Shedeur has grown up in the spotlight, but our expectation is for him to work and compete,” Briggs said. He defended the late-round selection, stating Sanders was a “good prospect at the most important position” and could “outperform his draft slot.”

[Image: Browns’ war room during the draft]
Caption: The Browns’ subdued reaction to drafting Sanders sparked speculation among fans.

Sanders’ Response
Sanders remained optimistic, focusing on his opportunity. “I’ve got to prove what I’m capable of,” he said. “I’m thankful for the chance, especially when many didn’t want to give it.” He dismissed concerns about his pre-draft interviews, emphasizing his readiness: “My focus is on proving the Browns right.”

Cleveland’s QB Logjam
The Browns’ quarterback lineup raised eyebrows. Alongside Sanders and Gabriel, the team added Flacco—returning for his second stint at 40—and Pickett, creating a crowded depth chart. Briggs admitted the dual QB picks weren’t planned but called Sanders’ fifth-round value “too good to pass up.”

[Image: Joe Flacco at Browns training camp]
Caption: Veteran Joe Flacco adds experience to Cleveland’s competitive QB room.

Fan Reactions: Confusion and Criticism
Social media erupted over the Browns’ muted draft-room reaction, with fans questioning the pick. Some speculated owner Jimmy Haslam influenced the decision, while others noted the team’s history of quarterback controversies. Critics highlighted Sanders’ slide as a red flag, though supporters argued his potential could shine in a low-pressure role.

Looking Ahead
Despite the drama, Sanders remains undeterred. “It’s just a football game to me,” he said. “I’ll celebrate the small wins and keep working.” As Cleveland’s preseason approaches, all eyes will be on whether the legacy player can defy expectations and carve out his NFL legacy.

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