On the third day of the NFL draft, Shedeur Sanders from the University of Colorado was picked by the Cleveland Browns. He was the 144th pick in the fifth round on Saturday.
It took a long time for Sanders to be picked. Many people thought he would be chosen early because many teams needed a quarterback.
When he heard his name, Sanders was happy. He celebrated on Twitch and said his wait was “perfect timing.”
He said, “We believe in God. We stay positive and happy. God is with us. I was not worried because I knew it was about perfect timing.”
Browns manager Andrew Berry said he did not think Sanders would be available in the fifth round. He said the team wants to have competition for every position.
Berry said, “Shedeur has been in the spotlight. We want him to work and compete. Nothing is promised. We are excited to work with him.”
Even though Sanders was not picked on Thursday or Friday, he stayed positive. He said “Thank you GOD for EVERYTHING” on X on Friday night.
Berry said, “It does not matter where you are picked. It matters what you do after that.”
Berry added, “His reaction was a mix of gratitude, relief, and determination. He is ready to go.”
Five quarterbacks were picked before Sanders.
On Thursday, the Tennessee Titans picked Cam Ward from the University of Miami first. The New York Giants picked Jaxson Dart from Ole Miss 25th.
On Friday, three quarterbacks were picked. Tyler Shough went to the New Orleans Saints. Jalen Milroe and Dillon Gabriel went to the Seattle Seahawks and Browns.
Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said, “Every player knows their pick number. You can use that for motivation. Once you are on our team, you are part of our family. We will work hard.”
Sanders was a four-star recruit in high school. He was coached by his father, Deion Sanders, during college. He started at Jackson State University in 2021.
After two seasons, Sanders went to Colorado to play for his father before the 2023 season. His teammate Travis Hunter was picked second overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars on Thursday.
Sanders played well for the Buffaloes. He helped them win 9 games and lose 4 last year. He threw for 4,134 yards, 37 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. He was eighth in the 2024 Heisman Trophy voting.