Shedeur Sanders was once projected as a first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. But when the dust settled, the Cleveland Browns scooped him up in the fifth round at No. 144 overall — a stunning fall for a quarterback many thought would hear his name called on Day 1.
One pivotal moment may have come during a pre-draft meeting with the New York Giants, who had traded up to the 25th overall pick. Many believed the Giants would select Sanders, but they pivoted to Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart instead. Why? Reports suggest Sanders didn’t exactly ace his meeting with the team.
According to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, the Giants gave Sanders an “install” — a mock set of offensive plays with intentional mistakes planted inside. Sanders missed those errors, was called out on it, and didn’t take it well. Breer said Sanders was “p***ed” the Giants set him up that way, and things went downhill from there.
But the Giants weren’t the only team that had concerns. At the NFL Combine, another team pressed Sanders to explain one of his 10 interceptions from last season. His response — that he likes to “get into a rhythm early” — sparked a back-and-forth that ended with Sanders declaring, “Maybe I’m not a fit for you,” a reaction that reportedly raised eyebrows.
Now in Cleveland, Sanders faces a steep climb. He’ll compete for a roster spot alongside veterans Deshaun Watson, Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, and fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel. The talent is there, but Sanders’ draft slide serves as a reminder that interviews and attitude can carry just as much weight as arm strength on draft day.
Why Shedeur Sanders Clashed with the Giants — And How It Helped Trigger His NFL Draft Fall
