Why Shedeur Sanders Fell to the 5th Round in the NFL Draft: Damien Woody Breaks It Down

The 2025 NFL Draft saw plenty of shocking moments, but none bigger than the unexpected fall of star quarterback Shedeur Sanders. Despite being projected as one of the top prospects, Sanders slipped all the way to the fifth round, where the Cleveland Browns finally picked him up. As debates and wild theories swirled across the sports world — from accusations of bias to doubts about his celebrity status — former Super Bowl champion and ESPN analyst Damien Woody offered a refreshingly honest perspective.

Appearing on ESPN’s “Get Up” Monday morning, Woody didn’t sugarcoat the reality.
“The NFL sent a clear message — you’re good, but you’re not that guy,” said the two-time Super Bowl winner.
“In the NFL, if you’re truly ‘that guy,’ teams will pick you in the first round. It’s a winning business, and if you can help a team win instantly, they’re not passing on you.”

Woody emphasized that the NFL’s decision wasn’t personal or political — it was business. In his words, while Shedeur Sanders showcased talent, teams collectively felt he wasn’t the transformative player they couldn’t afford to miss.

The “Celebrity Factor” and Its Impact

Adding another layer to the discussion, Woody pointed out that Sanders’ growing celebrity — being the son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders and a social media sensation — may have worked against him.
“When you combine doubts about your ability to be ‘the guy’ with the spotlight and distractions that come with fame, NFL teams think twice,” Woody explained.

The NFL prefers players who are not just talented but fully committed, laser-focused, and free from off-the-field distractions. Sanders, fairly or unfairly, seemed to raise question marks on that front.

Pre-Draft Decisions Raised Eyebrows

Several reports leading up to the Draft noted Sanders’ controversial choices during the pre-draft process.

• He skipped throwing at the NFL Scouting Combine, opting instead to showcase his skills at a personal pro day.
• His pre-draft interviews reportedly left some teams uncertain about his readiness and maturity at the professional level.

These decisions, combined with questions about his leadership and NFL-readiness, contributed heavily to his unexpected slide down the draft board.

Shedeur Sanders Responds with Poise

Despite the setbacks, Sanders has remained focused and positive. Speaking at his first press conference with the Browns, Sanders said:
“Nothing really affected me the last couple of days. I’m blessed. I still love the game, and that’s what matters. I know there are things I need to fix to be my best, and that’s what I’m working on every offseason.”

His primary motivation now?

“Proving Coach Kevin Stefanski and GM Andrew Berry right for picking me,” he added.
“I’m a good decision. I’m a good draft pick, and I’m here to do what I need to do.”