Shedeur Sanders was projected to be a first or possibly second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Seeing him fall all the way to the fifth round before the Cleveland Browns traded up to get him was an absolute shock.
Before the draft, many analysts felt that Sanders could be a long-term franchise quarterback for whoever brought him in. His numbers in college supported that belief.
After watching his draft slide, it was hard not to think that it was an organized move from NFL teams to make that slide happen.
Since being drafted, Sanders has handled himself well. He did not allow his slide to impact him long-term. Instead, he seemingly chose to use it as motivation.
Read more: Derek Carr Throws Shade at Browns Over Shedeur Sanders Decision
Sanders has been a great teammate on the Browns and has shown major talent and potential. Even though he was drafted where many felt he should have been, the young quarterback still has a chance to prove himself at the NFL level.
Plenty of people have spoken out about how Sanders was treated unfairly by the NFL. Recently, one of those people was none other than legendary college basketball announcer Dick Vitale.
Vitale took to social media to share his opinion on Sanders. He did not hold back from sharing his view on the matter.
“I’m rooting hard for @ShedeurSanders & any athlete that gets a raw deal,” Vitale wrote. “I hope he proves that he should have NEVER been a 5th round pick. Hope he becomes a success for the @browns who drafted him in the 5th round.”
Throughout the NFL preseason, Sanders played in two of Cleveland’s three games. He completed 17 of his 29 passes for 152 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions.
Read more: Browns’ Shedeur Sanders Issues 1-Word Statement on Making Roster
On the outside looking in, Sanders looks like he could be a part of the Browns’ long-term success. He still has work to do and he’ll need the team to give him a chance, but his early results have been impressive.
It will be interesting to see what the coming years have in store for Sanders. Vitale is of the opinion that Sanders did not deserve the draft slide he was given. Now, it’s up to the young quarterback to prove it.
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