Browns Keep It Low-Key: Shedeur Sanders Pick Meets Understated Response

Editor’s note: We have revised this article to indicate that the responses from Andrew Berry and Kevin Stefanski regarding the Sanders’ selection were indeed comparable to other reactions. This article and the headline have been modified accordingly.

The Cleveland Browns executed a significant draft maneuver on Saturday, choosing Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. This decision followed the team’s investment in Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel with a late third round pick.

It was an intriguing choice to bring in a second rookie to the quarterback lineup, yet not entirely unexpected. Furthermore, the opportunity to acquire Sanders in the fifth round presents notable value for someone many believed would be selected on day one, if not day two.

The reactions within the Browns’ war room indicate a top-down strategy regarding this selection. General manager Andrew Berry and head coach Kevin Stefanski were observed offering restrained applause but little enthusiasm about securing Sanders at such a late stage.

As Ollie pointed out, this implies that Browns owner Jimmy Haslam may have had some influence on this selection. Additionally, Adam Schefter provided some insights that could corroborate this. He noted that Deion and Shedeur had “formed a connection with Jimmy Haslam during the pre-draft period.”

A social media user compiled instances when Cleveland’s management was showcased after making a selection and found they exhibited the same reaction as with Sanders’ choice:

There are numerous reasons Haslam might have advocated for the team to select Sanders. Ultimately, NFL owners are the ones financing the operations and possess the authority to make final decisions if they wish. Although it is generally undesirable for an owner to be involved in football choices, the wealthiest individual in the room typically wields the most influence concerning ultimate decision-making.

Regardless of the rationale behind drafting Sanders, as Terrell Owens once advised, “Get your popcorn ready!”