The 2025 NFL Draft was absolute chaos. If you were following the mock drafts leading up to that weekend, you probably saw Shedeur Sanders projected as a top-five lock. People were talking about him going to the Raiders or the Giants. It felt like a sure thing.
Then the actual draft started.
Silence. Day one passed without his name being called. Day two? Same story. It was one of the most jarring slides in recent draft history. Honestly, seeing the "Prime Time" family waiting in that green room while team after team passed on the Colorado star was tough to watch.
Where Did Deion Sanders Son Get Drafted?
Shedeur Sanders was finally selected by the Cleveland Browns in the fifth round with the 144th overall pick.
It’s wild. A guy who threw for over 4,000 yards and 37 touchdowns in a single season at Colorado fell into the middle of Saturday's coverage. The Browns actually had to trade up to get him, giving the Eagles their 166th and 192nd picks just to jump into the fifth round for Shedeur.
But he wasn't the only son in the mix. Shilo Sanders, the hard-hitting safety, went through the entire seven rounds without hearing his name. Shortly after the draft ended, Shilo signed as an undrafted free agent with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
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The Shedeur Slide Explained
Why did a Heisman contender drop so far?
Scouts are a picky bunch. While the world saw the flashy completions and the "Grown Man" brand, NFL GMs were looking at the tape differently. Some anonymous coaches quoted during the broadcast mentioned his tendency to take "unnecessary sacks." There was also a ton of chatter about his "body language" and the media circus that follows the Sanders family.
Fair or not, the NFL is a business that often fears distractions.
The Browns didn't seem to care about the noise, though. Andrew Berry, the Browns' GM, basically said they viewed him as a highly accurate pocket passer they couldn't pass up once he reached the fifth round. Interestingly, he wasn't even the first QB Cleveland took that year—they had already grabbed Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel earlier.
Shilo’s Rough Path to the Pros
Shilo’s story is a bit more complicated. He’s 25, which is "old" by rookie standards. He spent six years in college across South Carolina, Jackson State, and Colorado.
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While he had a reputation for being a punisher in the secondary, his age and some injury concerns made teams hesitant. The Buccaneers took a flyer on him, but the transition wasn't smooth. During the 2025 preseason, Shilo actually got ejected from a game against the Buffalo Bills for punching a tight end.
Not a great look.
Ultimately, the Bucs waived him before the regular season started. It shows just how thin the margin for error is in the league, even if your dad is a Hall of Famer.
The Impact on the "Prime" Legacy
Deion Sanders was clearly hurt by the draft slide. He’s never been one to hide his emotions. He posted a simple "God is Good" tweet when Shedeur finally went off the board, but during the draft party, you could see the frustration on his face.
The Sanders family has always operated with a "us against the world" mentality. This draft only fueled that.
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- Shedeur's Contract: He signed a four-year deal worth about $4.6 million.
- The Quarterback Room: He entered a crowded room in Cleveland with Gabriel, Kenny Pickett, and Joe Flacco.
- The Debut: Shedeur didn't start right away. He actually sat for the first nine games before making his debut in Week 11 against the Ravens.
It wasn't a fairy-tale start. He went 4-of-16 in that first game. But by Week 14 against the Titans, he exploded for 364 yards and three touchdowns. It was a glimpse of the talent that made him a star in Boulder.
What This Means for You
If you're a fan or a collector, keep an eye on those Cleveland rookie cards. The "144th pick" narrative is something Shedeur is clearly using as motivation. He's playing with a chip on his shoulder that might actually make him a better pro than if he’d gone #1 overall.
For the skeptics, the jury is still out. The NFL is a different beast than the Big 12.
Take Actionable Steps Based on the Sanders Draft Story:
- Monitor the Browns Depth Chart: If you're into fantasy football or betting, Shedeur's usage in Cleveland is volatile. He’s shown he can put up big numbers, but the Browns' offensive line has to protect him better than Colorado's did.
- Follow Shilo's Free Agency: As of early 2026, Shilo is still looking for a permanent home. Defensive back depth is always in demand late in the season, so don't count him out for a practice squad stash.
- Watch the "Sanders Effect" in 2026: Now that the kids are gone, see how Deion handles Colorado. The "Prime" brand is at a crossroads. Whether Shedeur succeeds in the NFL will directly impact how recruits view Colorado moving forward.
The Sanders name is officially back in the NFL. It just didn't happen the way anyone expected.