Shedeur Sanders stole the show in the 2025 NFL Draft, and it was for a reason he’d soon like to forget.
You know the story by now: the one-time first-round prospect had what may be considered the worst NFL Draft slide in the event’s history, falling all the way to the Cleveland Browns in the fifth round. And while it’s true that when a prospect gets drafted isn’t as important as where they end up, for Sanders, his pro outlook is already on shaky ground.
The New York Giants were one of the several quarterback-needy teams that were connected to Sanders during the run-up to the 2025 NFL Draft, but their decision to pass on him with their first selection and later trade back into the first round to pick Jaxson Dart ended any chance of Shedeur Sanders joining Big Blue.
Shedeur Sanders must have a wildly successful rookie season for Cleveland Browns
Early reports from the Browns’ offseason program are that Sanders has been fine, but he needs to be more than just ‘fine’ to secure a long-term future in Cleveland. He’s already battling third-round pick Dillon Gabriel and former first-round pick Kenny Pickett for the right to be the Browns’ young QB of the future, but his biggest challenge may come via the 2026 NFL Draft, where a new mock draft has Cleveland saying ‘so long’ to Sanders with their first pick.
The Browns select Texas star Arch Manning at No. 1 overall.
“Projected as the 2026 class’s most coveted prospect, Texas quarterback Arch Manning could end up the consensus No. 1 pick sooner rather than later,” Pro Football Sports Network wrote. “Despite limited playing time, Manning possesses all the necessary attributes to become a transformative franchise quarterback. His exceptional poise, accuracy, and athleticism suggest he’s destined for future success as a top-tier NFL quarterback. Scouts will closely monitor his development as he steps into his first year as a starter.”
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First, if the Browns end the 2025 season as the worst team in the NFL, there’s no doubt they’ll use the first pick of the draft on a quarterback, whether it’s Manning or someone else. Let’s face it, the only way Cleveland is that bad is because they don’t have competent quarterback play, which means Shedeur Sanders will be a big part of that problem.
Second, Sanders is a Day 3 draft pick. The Browns have no real investment in him. Moving on from him in the 2026 NFL draft will be incredibly easy, even with his big-name appeal.
As for the New York Giants, this mock draft has Big Blue selecting an offensive tackle with the fifth overall pick. It’s a selection that suggests they have their QB-next on the roster — Dart — and are turning their attention to protecting the organization’s most important asset.
So, yeah, passing on Shedeur Sanders and prioritizing Jaxson Dart was a smart move at the time, and it continues to play out as the right strategy as the offseason rolls on.
Indeed, Sanders could prove to be a 2025 NFL Draft steal if he wins the Browns’ starting job and goes on a magical run as a rookie. I just wouldn’t bet on it.
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