The biggest story of the 2025 NFL Draft was the unprecedented slide of Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders, a projected top-5 pick who fell to the Cleveland Browns in the fifth round at pick No. 144 overall.
Many were left perplexed by Sanders’ fall from grace but it wasn’t long before potential explanations were made available.
NFL insiders Albert Breer and Todd McShay each shared reports suggesting Sanders struggled during the interview process, including a clash with New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll.
Sanders’ lack of preparation ultimately cost him millions of dollars and led many to question his maturity. Even Houston Oilers legend Warren Moon chimed in.
“You can’t act like a cornerback when you’re playing quarterback. Quarterback is a humble position. You’ve got to be respectful,” Moon said on Up & Adams. “You’ve got to be a leader. You’re the face of the franchise. There’s so much more responsibility that comes along with it (and) that’s what he has to understand.”
Although Sanders come up short during the pre-draft process, Moon feels he’s in a good position with the Browns and has the opportunity to redeem himself.
“You (Sanders) understand the things that you might’ve done wrong or done right throughout the pre-draft process, but now you’re drafted,” Moon said. “You’re in an organization. You’ve got a chance to go in there and make a name for yourself. It’s how you go about doing it. It’s how you attack it. There’s nobody there that’s solidified in that job at quarterback right now.”
The NFL is a “what have you done for me lately” league, so Sanders now finds himself with a clean slate and a chip on his shoulder. If he can improve his preparation and take Moon’s advice to heart, there’s no reason to believe Sanders can’t salvage things.
