Shedeur Sanders' pre-draft errors lead to surprising draft fall

In the lead-up to the 2025 NFL Draft, Shedeur Sanders, a quarterback who played for the Colorado Buffaloes, faced an unexpected decline in his draft stock. During the draft process, Sanders and his camp failed to navigate crucial phases effectively, resulting in his selection as the No. 144 pick by the Cleveland Browns. Key analyst Matt Miller pointed out significant missteps, such as Sanders' choice not to participate in the NFL Scouting Combine and opting out of working out at the East-West Shrine Game, which he had initially accepted an invitation to attend. These decisions ultimately hurt his visibility and perception among NFL teams. Miller had publicly criticized these choices before the Combine, affirming that Sanders was not guaranteed to be a top draft pick, contrary to the belief held by Sanders and his camp. This disconnect potentially contributed to a distorted understanding of Sanders' true draft value. Reports emerged indicating that NFL teams also had unfavorable views of him following pre-draft meetings. Though Sanders was expected to be a highly rated prospect, the mishandling of the process by his camp had severe repercussions. Now with the Browns, he has an opportunity to prove critics wrong and elevate his career. Ultimately, his draft experience highlights the importance of strategic preparation and realistic evaluations in the NFL draft landscape.