If you haven't been glued to the NFL ticker for the last year, you might still be wondering: has Shedeur Sanders been drafted yet? The short answer is a definitive yes. But the long answer? Well, that’s where things get interesting. Most people expected a top-ten spectacle with Deion "Coach Prime" Sanders standing center stage. Instead, we got a classic NFL draft slide that turned into one of the biggest steals for the AFC North.
Shedeur Sanders was drafted by the Cleveland Browns during the 2025 NFL Draft.
The Draft Day Slide Nobody Saw Coming
Let’s be real—the hype train for Shedeur during his time at Colorado was massive. We’re talking "first overall pick" conversations and legendary NIL deals. So, when the 2025 draft actually rolled around, the football world was stunned to see him still on the board past the first round. Then the second. Then the third.
Honestly, it was a bit of a "wait, what?" moment for everyone.
The Cleveland Browns eventually pulled the trigger, but they didn't do it in the first round. They traded up in the fifth round to grab him with the 144th overall pick.
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Why the drop? NFL scouts were reportedly torn. On one hand, you had a kid with a 74.1% completion rate—the best in the FBS in 2024. On the other hand, there were "concerns" about his sack rate and the media circus that naturally follows the Sanders family. But Andrew Berry, the Browns' GM, saw a pocket passer with "ice in his veins." He basically bet a fifth-rounder on a guy with first-round production.
Shedeur's Rookie Year in Cleveland
So, what has he done since the draft? A lot.
Cleveland’s quarterback room was a total mess when Shedeur arrived. Between a struggling Deshaun Watson and fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel, nobody knew who would actually take the snaps. Shedeur didn't start Week 1. He had to wait.
He finally got his shot midway through the 2025 season, starting the final seven games. It wasn't always pretty—the Browns had a bottom-tier offensive line that gave him zero favors—but he showed he belonged.
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- Final 2025 Stats: 1,400 passing yards, 7 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions.
- The Big Win: He led a game-winning drive against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 18 to close out the season.
- Record as Starter: 3-4.
Numbers don't always tell the whole story, though. If you watched those games, you saw a kid who could extend plays and stay remarkably calm while getting hit. He ended the season with two straight wins, which is probably why the buzz in Cleveland is shifting from "Is he the backup?" to "Is he the guy for 2026?"
What Most People Get Wrong About His Status
A lot of fans think Shedeur is still waiting for his name to be called in the upcoming 2026 draft. You’ve probably seen the mock drafts online. Here’s the deal: those mocks are now focusing on how the Browns can build around him, not replace him.
The Browns currently hold the No. 6 and No. 24 picks in the 2026 draft. Early rumors suggest they are looking at wide receivers like Jordyn Tyson or offensive line help to actually protect their young QB.
The "limbo" phase is over. He's an NFL quarterback.
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Why 2026 is the Real Litmus Test
Coming into 2026, the landscape has changed. Kevin Stefanski is out, and the Browns are looking for a new head coach. This is the part that’s kinda scary for Shedeur fans. A new coach might want "their guy."
However, there's a silver lining. Several top QB prospects for the 2026 draft, like Oregon's Dante Moore, have decided to stay in school. This means the 2026 QB class is looking pretty thin. For the Browns, sticking with Shedeur—who already has seven NFL starts under his belt—might be the smartest move they have.
He’s no longer just "Deion’s son" or a "college star." He’s a guy fighting for a starting job in the hardest league in the world.
What to Watch for Next:
- The Head Coach Search: Keep an eye on who Cleveland hires. If it’s someone like John Harbaugh or a coach who loves a mobile, accurate passer, Shedeur’s stock goes up.
- The Offensive Line: If the Browns don't fix their tackle situation in the 2026 draft, it won't matter who is under center.
- Training Camp 2026: This will be the first time Shedeur gets to compete for the QB1 spot from Day 1.
The question of "has Shedeur Sanders been drafted yet" is officially settled. He's in the league, he's got the jersey, and he's already winning games. Now, the only question left is whether he can turn a fifth-round selection into a Hall of Fame career, just like his dad—though maybe with a few less suitcases.
To stay updated on his progress, you should track the Cleveland Browns' 2026 coaching search and their free agency moves regarding offensive linemen. Those two factors will dictate whether Shedeur starts Week 1 or remains a high-upside backup.