Former Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders experienced a surprising drop during the recent NFL Draft, falling to the fifth round. Initially projected as a potential top-five pick, Sanders was selected 144th overall by the Cleveland Browns, marking a significant shift in his draft expectations.

Negative Speculations in the Lead-up to the Draft

Prior to the draft, reports surfaced concerning Sanders’ interactions with team coaches, particularly highlighting difficulties during formal interviews. One assessment described his interview as “the worst,” with critiques suggesting that he exhibited an “entitled” demeanor.

Additionally, during pre-draft evaluations, some reports indicated that Sanders seemed disinterested in meetings, including a notable instance with the New York Giants. CBS analyst Ross Tucker recounted an incident where Sanders failed to attend a scheduled production meeting, which is atypical for a starting quarterback.

Detailed Account of the Notable Incident

According to Tucker, Sanders was originally set to have a conversation with CBS on a Wednesday, but this was postponed due to injury treatment. However, he ultimately did not show up to the rescheduled meeting. “We weren’t really given a reason, but we did not talk to Shedeur at the production meetings,” Tucker shared during an appearance on “The Dan Patrick Show.” He further mentioned seeing Sanders sitting in the back of a pickup truck outside the hotel, which raised questions among NFL personnel regarding Sanders’ professionalism and commitment.

Wider NFL Implications and Reactions

Sanders’ conduct during critical evaluations raised eyebrows particularly due to its potential implications for his future in the NFL. As Tucker noted, such behavior could make teams uneasy when considering how he might handle responsibilities as a first-round draft pick.

His draft stock began to slide notably after the New York Giants opted to trade up and select quarterback Jaxson Dart at 25, and on the following day, three additional quarterbacks—Tyler Shough, Jalen Milroe, and Dillon Gabriel—were chosen, with Gabriel also landing with the Browns.

Current Situation with the Cleveland Browns

With his selection, Shedeur Sanders joins a crowded quarterback room in Cleveland, which includes established players like Deshaun Watson, Joe Flacco, and Kenny Pickett. As he begins his career in the NFL, he will need to address the concerns raised during the draft process to prove his potential as a starting quarterback.