Boomer Esiason Reveals Shocking Reason Behind Shedeur Sanders’ Draft Slide
The 2025 NFL Draft came with its share of unexpected turns, but none more shocking than Shedeur Sanders’ dramatic tumble to the fifth round. Once considered a likely first-round selection before the college football season, Sanders ultimately went 144th overall to the Cleveland Browns. However, according to former NFL quarterback Boomer Esiason, there’s a deeper — and more surprising — reason behind Sanders’ fall.
Esiason Alleges Teams Removed Sanders From Draft Boards
During a segment on WFAN’s “Boomer & Gio” show, Esiason disclosed that some NFL teams didn’t merely pass on Sanders — they eliminated him from consideration entirely, reportedly due to directives from ownership.
“He spoke about being the guy to change locker room culture, claiming he could lead and fix things,” Esiason said, as reported by the New York Post. “But his confidence came off as arrogance to many league executives.”
Esiason added that, based on conversations with several NFL personnel, at least three teams dropped Sanders from their boards altogether. “I’m telling you, the owners themselves told their staff: ‘Remove him. I don’t want that kind of attitude on my team.’ They saw him as entitled, and I can’t say I blame them.”
Concerns About Personality Over Talent
Despite his solid performance at Colorado — including impressive arm talent, mobility, and resilience behind a weak offensive line — Sanders’ demeanor reportedly turned off numerous decision-makers. While some saw his confidence as a positive trait, others viewed it as a warning sign of entitlement and a poor cultural fit.
This situation highlights a common theme in the NFL Draft process: personality and perception can weigh just as heavily as physical skills. The way prospects present themselves in interviews and interactions can play a major role in draft positioning.
A Chance for Redemption in Cleveland
Though Sanders’ drop in the draft surprised many, it served as a reminder that raw talent isn’t the only factor NFL teams consider. Off-field impressions and perceived leadership traits are equally important in building a roster.
Now with the Browns, Shedeur Sanders has a fresh opportunity to prove the doubters wrong. But it won’t be enough to show his arm strength — he’ll have to win people over with humility, maturity, and consistent leadership.
