• Shedeur Sanders' NFL draft stock plummeted due to poor interview performances and perceived lack of preparation during the pre-draft process.
• Multiple NFL teams, including the New York Giants, reportedly had negative experiences with Sanders during private visits and combine meetings, citing issues with his response to criticism and knowledge of NFL playbooks.
• Sanders' approach to the pre-draft process, characterized as being 'recruited' rather than 'interviewed,' along with the decision to not hire an experienced agent, exacerbated concerns about his readiness for the NFL.

Shedeur Sanders, son of NFL legend Deion Sanders, experienced a surprising drop in the 2025 NFL Draft, being selected in the fifth round after initial projections placed him as a potential first-round pick. This decline is attributed to concerns raised during the pre-draft process, particularly regarding his interviews with NFL teams, his perceived attitude, and his preparedness for the transition to the professional level. Several teams reportedly had negative experiences during private visits and combine meetings, leading to questions about his ability to handle criticism and master NFL playbooks.

• What: Shedeur Sanders' draft stock fell significantly due to poor pre-draft interview performances and a perceived lack of preparation.
• Who: Shedeur Sanders, NFL teams (New York Giants, Pittsburgh Steelers, New Orleans Saints, Cleveland Browns), Todd McShay, Colin Cowherd, anonymous NFL assistant coach, Brian Daboll.
• When: NFL Draft 2025, Pre-draft process (February 2025)
• Where: NFL Combine meetings, Private visits with NFL teams.

Shedeur Sanders' draft slide underscores the importance of the pre-draft process, particularly the interviews and whiteboard sessions where teams assess a player's knowledge, attitude, and ability to handle criticism. The reports suggest that Sanders' approach, treating the process more like a recruitment visit than a formal interview, may have backfired. His perceived thin skin and inability to take constructive criticism, coupled with a failure to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of NFL offenses, raised red flags for several teams. The contrast between the negative impressions from multiple teams and the Steelers' reported interest raises questions about Pittsburgh's evaluation process. Ultimately, the event highlights that even with considerable talent and pedigree, a player's draft stock can be significantly impacted by their performance and demeanor during the pre-draft period.

Shedeur didn’t have a great interview with Brian Daboll in a private visit. An install package came in. Preparation wasn’t there for it. [He] got called out on it. Didn’t like that. Brian didn’t appreciate him not liking it.

Maybe I’m not the guy for you.

Shedeur Sanders' unexpected slide to the Cleveland Browns in the 2025 NFL Draft is a stark reminder that talent alone isn't enough. While his skills, including accuracy, pocket presence, and athleticism, once positioned him as a potential first-round pick, concerns about intangibles—attitude, work ethic, preparation, and handling criticism—raised significant red flags for many teams. Reports of unprofessional and disinterested behavior during interviews, coupled with a perceived lack of familiarity with pro-style offenses, contributed to a narrative that questioned his readiness for the NFL. Some analysts even suggested that the influence of his father, Deion Sanders, created a "daddy ball" perception, further fueling doubts about his ability to thrive independently. Now in Cleveland, Sanders faces a crowded quarterback room and must prove his doubters wrong by demonstrating a willingness to work, compete, and adapt. Browns GM Andrew Berry has conveyed that nothing will be given, and Sanders will need to earn his place and prove that he can outproduce his draft slot. Despite the challenges, Sanders aims high, expressing a desire to bring a Super Bowl to Cleveland and make a positive impact on the community. His success hinges on addressing the concerns raised during the draft process, embracing the opportunity to learn and grow, and ultimately demonstrating that he possesses the intangible qualities necessary to become a successful NFL quarterback.