I won't sugarcoat it.
Shedeur Sanders dropping to the fifth round was a joke. He was the most accurate in college football history, took a beating every Saturday behind a struggling O-line, and still turned Colorado into a national headline… and he lands at pick No. 144?
But if you think Shedeur’s bitter about it, think again. He’s not venting online. He’s not posting cryptic messages. He’s just lazer focused.
Literally.
"I really don’t even talk to my family. It’s one of those situations where I just have to lock in, stay focused on what’s present now."Shedeur told SportsCasting
If that doesn’t scream locked in, nothing does.
The former Buffs QB is already deep into offseason workouts with the Cleveland Browns, trying to carve out a role in a quarterback room that’s as crowded as rush hour on I-25. And while some rookies might be intimidated, Shedeur’s not flinching.
Sanders and Gabriel—just two guys competing
Cleveland shocked folks when they doubled down at quarterback in the draft, grabbing Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel in the third round, then snagging Sanders in the fifth. On paper, it looked like a clash waiting to happen.
But Sanders? He’s not into drama.
“Everything’s been cool,” he said. “He’s a cool person… We’re truly cool.”
That’s the difference between media and real life. These are two competitors grinding it out in the same room, both trying to earn a spot. And from what reporters at Browns rookie minicamp have said, Shedeur looked every bit the part—calm, confident, and sharp.
Some called him the most polished QB on the field. Others praised Gabriel’s arm talent. Either way, this competition is far from settled.
And we haven’t even talked about Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, or Deshaun Watson—who’s still recovering from injury.
That’s five quarterbacks. One starting job. Welcome to the NFL.
Shedeur is channeling the right energy
Let’s not forget, Shedeur grew up with Deion Sanders as his dad. He’s had cameras in his face since middle school. He’s used to the pressure, the expectations, the spotlight.
But right now, he’s choosing to unplug.
And believe it or not, he hasn’t even reached out to Tom Brady since the draft, which makes sense since the Raiders passed on him.
“I haven’t really been on my phone much or talking to many people,” Sanders said. “I haven’t talked to [Brady] since the draft.”
This doesn't seem like some calculated PR move. Shedeur has something to prove. He knows he should’ve gone higher in the draft. He knows some scouts questioned his attitude, his durability, his arm strength.
But he also knows what he did at Colorado. We do too.
From Folsom Field to the Dawg Pound
We watched Shedeur get lit up behind a struggling offensive line week after week—and still deliver clutch throws, Heisman-worthy performances, and some of the most electric moments in recent Colorado memory.
He didn’t fold then. He’s not folding now.
When asked what adjustment he expects from college to the pros, Sanders shrugged.
“I haven’t played a snap yet,” he said. “I’m excited to see myself.”
And that’s why you root for a guy like this. He’s not selling you something. He’s chasing the starting job.
Cleveland’s quarterback room may be the most unpredictable storyline in the NFL this offseason. Watson’s injury. Flacco’s resurgence. Pickett’s potential. Gabriel’s college accolades. And Shedeur’s draft day disrespect.
All of it sets the stage for the most competitive camp we’ve seen in years.
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