Shedeur Sanders joins crowded Cleveland Browns QB Room after historic NFL draft slide

Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders conquered the shadows of his father, coach Deion Sanders, en route to the NFL. (Photo by Remi Krupinski/Sko Buffs Sports)

After a historic descent in the NFL draft, questions arose about the landing spot of star Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders. The long-awaited answer is here, as the Cleveland Browns have drafted him No. 144 overall.

The unprecedented fall of Sanders saw five quarterbacks taken ahead of him, including new teammate Dillon Gabriel at No. 94 a day before. The Browns traded up with the Philadelphia Eagles in order to make the pick in the fifth round. 

It is still unclear what the true reason behind Sanders' draft collapse is. However, he now joins a room with five rostered QBs, making for a competitive offseason. 

Sanders was the fifth quarterback taken off the board following Cam Ward at No. 1 overall to the Tennessee Titans, Jaxon Dart No. 25 to the New York Giants, Tyler Shough No. 40 to the New Orleans Saints, Jalen Milroe No. 92 to the Seattle Seahawks and Gabriel at No. 94.

Although the process was a nightmare, Sanders can hit the ground running and compete for a job in Cleveland. He will be paired up with receivers Jerry Jeudy and Cedric Tillman, if he were to earn the starting job. 

Sanders and teammate wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter have now found homes in the league and can work on building their legacies at the next level. Earning his way to become a face of the franchise is the next step.

Sanders chose to decline his offer to attend the draft in person in Green Bay, Wisconsin, opting to be surrounded by close friends and family in Texas. The three-day wait is sure to put a chip on the shoulder of the QB who was overlooked.