Browns’ Understated Response to Shedeur Sanders’ Selection Surprise

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 use of a late third round selection on Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel.

It was an intriguing choice to incorporate a second newcomer into the quarterback lineup, albeit not entirely unexpected. Additionally, securing Sanders in the fifth round provides some merit for a player many anticipated would be selected on day one, if not day two.

The reactions within the Browns’ war room imply a top-down strategy regarding this selection. General manager Andrew Berry and head coach Kevin Stefanski were observed offering mild applause but displayed little enthusiasm regarding the acquisition of Sanders at this stage.

As Ollie indicated, this may hint that Browns owner Jimmy Haslam had some influence on this selection. Additionally, Adam Schefter shared some insights that could substantiate this notion. He mentioned that Deion and Shedeur had “established a rapport with Jimmy Haslam during the pre-draft preparations.”

There are numerous reasons why Haslam might have advocated for the team to select Sanders. Ultimately, NFL owners are the ones financing the operation and retain final authority if they choose to exercise it. Typically, it’s not optimal for an owner to be making football determinations, yet the wealthiest individual in the room often wields the most influence over final choices.

Regardless of the justification for picking Sanders, as Terrell Owens once advised us, “Get your popcorn ready!”