Over a month has passed since Shedeur Sanders, once viewed as a first-round talent, slipped all the way to the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. And now, for the first time since that surprising fall, Coach Prime is speaking out.
Appearing on the Say What Needs To Be Said podcast hosted by former NFL cornerback Asante Samuel (glad to see those two as friends again), Sanders addressed the swirl of negative reports that surrounded Shedeur’s draft process and the claims that contributed to Shedeur’s tumble.
"You have no idea. There were some foolish things that went on, but it gave them the edge. That Tom Brady edge. That I had. That Shedeur has now."Coach Prime on the pre-draft rumors
It was the most candid Sanders has been since April, and the conversation has reignited debate over how—and why—Shedeur’s draft stock collapsed.
From First Round Hopeful to Fifth Round Selection
Shedeur Sanders was the most polarizing quarterback in this year’s class. While evaluations varied, no one expected the former Colorado signal-caller to be available late on Day 3.
His fall came despite strong production in 2024: over 4,000 passing yards, 37 touchdowns, and a 74% completion rate. NFL scouts praised his anticipation, poise under pressure, and growth in a pro-style offense. But in the weeks leading up to the draft, off-field questions began to surface.
NFL insider Albert Breer reported that during a team meeting, Sanders was handed an installation package containing errors. When he failed to point them out, the resulting exchange reportedly “was not pretty.” Other rumors questioned his professionalism, attitude, and readiness and suggested a sense of entitlement in team interviews.
Sanders then became the sixth quarterback selected, behind names like Cam Ward, Jaxson Dart and Tyler Shough.
Coach Prime: “He’s a Professional”
Deion Sanders strongly pushed back against the narrative that Shedeur was unprepared or carried himself inappropriately during interviews.
“You're gonna tell me he went into a meeting unprepared, with headphones on?” he said. “Come on, man. Anybody who knows my son knows he’s a professional.”
Sanders emphasized Shedeur’s resilience in adapting to six different offensive coordinators across his college career, noting that he continued to improve with each transition.
He also framed the negative media coverage as part of a broader issue within the draft process, as it penalizes players for personality or proximity to fame.
A Complicated Message
While Deion Sanders’ defense of his son was passionate, his comments also reignited some of the very concerns NFL teams reportedly had. Critics argue that Deion's media presence and tendency to center conversations around himself may have influenced teams wary of outside noise.
That perception won’t disappear overnight.
ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith noted this morning that questioning Deion’s character—or calling him a liar—crosses a line.
“That’s not who that man is,” Smith said on First Take. “If he says Shedeur was prepared, I believe him.”
Still, as Jacob Roach of Browns Digest pointed out this week, the talking is done. The narrative—true or not—no longer matters. What happens next will depend entirely on how Shedeur handles the opportunity in Cleveland.
The Reality in Cleveland: It’s Go Time
He's right. All that noise doesn’t matter anymore. Shedeur is a Cleveland Brown now. He’s sharing a quarterback room with Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, and fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel. It’s a true competition, and the only thing that matters now is performance.
From what has been shown so far, Shedeur’s doing his part. He’s shown professionalism in media appearances, intensity in practice, and camaraderie with teammates.
No distractions. No drama.
Let the league doubt. Shedeur is going to answer with his play.
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