Sports analyst Stephen A. Smith has raised questions about quarterback Shedeur Sanders’ surprising fall to the fifth round in the 2025 NFL Draft, suggesting that factors beyond athletic performance may have influenced his draft position.
Once projected as a potential first-round selection, Sanders was ultimately picked 144th overall by the Cleveland Browns. Analysts have pointed to concerns about his on-field consistency and pre-draft interviews as possible reasons for the drop. However, Smith suggested that Sanders’ public image and high-profile family ties may have contributed to teams’ hesitation.
Smith’s comments have fueled broader discussion about the NFL Draft process and the complex factors that can shape a player’s journey to the league, including perception, reputation, and external pressures.
As Sanders prepares for his rookie season in Cleveland, he faces the challenge of proving himself at the professional level and overcoming the doubts that may have affected his draft stock.