Who is responsible for Shedeur Sanders dropping to the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft? Hall of Fame receiver Cris Carter has a clear opinion: Sanders should look in the mirror.

According to Carter, Sanders treated the pre-draft process like a fashion show. He focused too much on his appearance, even sporting a necklace worth over a hundred grand. “You’re going for a job interview,” Carter pointed out, implying Sanders didn’t adequately prove he could be the face of an NFL franchise.
“He made teams doubt him and consider other options, even if those options had less talent,” Carter added. Because of this, instead of being drafted higher, Sanders ended up with the Cleveland Browns in the fifth round. This could mean a loss of $30 to $50 million compared to being picked in the top three, which many thought he deserved.
Five quarterbacks went before him in the draft. Carter emphasized that Sanders and his family miscalculated their expectations, thinking they could dictate which teams would pick him. Deion Sanders, Shedeur’s father and Colorado head coach, even hinted last year that his son might refuse to play for an undesired team.
“They thought he was in the same boat as Eli Manning,” Carter said. “But this strategy backfired.”
Adding to the issues, Sanders skipped workouts at the NFL combine and didn’t impress scouts during his pro day. “Not working out at the combine was a mistake,” Carter noted. “Scouts left interviews feeling he had an entitlement mentality.”
While the Sanders family aimed high with expectations, NFL teams had a different perspective on his draft stock. This disconnect has left Shedeur facing the reality of competing hard for a roster spot in Cleveland.
“The lesson here is clear,” Carter concluded. “You’re not in control. Your dad doesn’t have it all figured out either.”
Understanding the dynamics of the draft can be vital for aspiring players. Statistics indicate that only about 30% of drafted players make a significant impact in the NFL. Recognizing this competitive landscape is crucial for any athlete looking to make a mark.
For further insights on NFL draft trends and player evaluations, check resources like [ESPN](https://www.espn.com) and [NFL.com](https://www.nfl.com).
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