As the NFL draft approached, the Cleveland Browns were primed to snag a rookie quarterback, with fans eagerly anticipating a high-profile selection. However, in a twist that left many scratching their heads, the Browns' actual picks strayed from expectations.

Instead of opting for a quarterback in the early rounds, Cleveland waited until late in the third round to draft Dillon Gabriel from Oregon. This decision initially suggested that Shedeur Sanders, the highly regarded prospect from Colorado, would slip further down the draft board. But in a surprising move, the Browns traded up to snag Sanders in the fifth round, igniting conversations about why he was overlooked for so long.

Recent reports shed light on Sanders' unexpected fall. During the NFL Combine, he faced tough questions about his college performances. Notably, an incident involving an interception sparked a heated debate, with Sanders pushing back against blame when discussing the play. This confrontation hinted at deeper issues, as the interview revealed potential mismatches between Sanders and an NFL coaching style.

Factors beyond just on-field performance seem to have played a role in Sanders' lower draft stock. Being the son of legendary NFL player Deion Sanders may have added pressure and skepticism among teams. Despite being projected as a top draft pick, with some evaluators giving him a late first-round grade, his eventual selection at pick No. 144 became one of the biggest surprises of the draft.

Reflecting on his journey, Sanders stated, "I feel like in life, there’s always a way I can improve. I could’ve approached some things differently. I had a great interview and process with the Browns, which ultimately led to their decision." With determination in his heart, Sanders aims to silence the doubters and prove his worth in the NFL, shaking off any off-field noise as he embarks on his professional career.