The recent draft-day slide of Shedeur Sanders has become a significant topic of discussion, even reaching the briefing room of the White House. During a press conference, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed questions surrounding Sanders’ unexpected fall in the NFL draft. The attention on this matter was further amplified by remarks from former President Donald Trump, who expressed his disappointment regarding Sanders not being selected in the first round of the draft.
President Trump took to his social media platform to state, “What is wrong with NFL owners, are they STUPID? Deion Sanders was a great college football player, and was even greater in the NFL. He’s also a very good coach, streetwise and smart! Therefore, Shedeur, his quarterback son, has PHENOMENAL GENES, and is all set for greatness. He should be ‘picked’ IMMEDIATELY by a team that wants to WIN. Good luck Shedeur, and say hello to your wonderful father!” These remarks set the stage for the subsequent inquiry posed to Leavitt during the briefing.
The question directed at Leavitt was pointed: “Does the President think he deserves credit for Sanders being picked, and does he think going to the Browns is better than being undrafted?” Leavitt responded with a hint of humor, stating, “All I will say is the President put out a statement, and a few rounds later he was drafted. So I think the facts speak for themselves on that one.” Despite the lighthearted nature of the exchange, the facts surrounding Sanders' draft position reveal a different story.
Despite Trump’s urging for the Browns to select Sanders immediately, the team did not choose him with the very next pick, the 33rd overall. They also passed over him at pick No. 36, 67, and 94 — the latter being used to select quarterback Dillon Gabriel. It wasn't until the 144th pick that Sanders was finally drafted, marking a significant delay of 112 picks after the first round concluded. The decision to pick Sanders was ultimately guided by analytics, highlighting a disparity between his ranking and that of the next available player.
The analytical approach taken by the Browns indicated that selecting Sanders at the 144th pick offered tremendous value, a decision that was not influenced by the external pressures of public sentiment or endorsements from high-profile figures. This analytical mindset raises questions about how well analytics align with human dynamics in the NFL. The Browns now find themselves in a unique position as they welcome a high-profile player who will surely attract media attention and fanfare.
Throughout the draft coverage, Shedeur Sanders was a focal point, with ESPN dedicating significant airtime to discussions about him. Notably, Mel Kiper Jr. voiced his criticism of NFL teams, stating, “The NFL has been clueless for 50 years when it comes to evaluating quarterbacks.” Kiper’s remarks underscored the ongoing debate about the effectiveness of traditional scouting methods, especially concerning quarterbacks.
The constant chatter surrounding Shedeur Sanders signifies that the Browns are now hosting a media circus. Should Joe Flacco or any player other than Sanders start, reporters will undoubtedly seek comments from the quarterback drafted at pick 144, creating a dynamic that could be challenging for the team. Coach Kevin Stefanski will face a barrage of questions regarding Sanders’ performance and potential, which could complicate team dynamics moving forward.
As the Browns navigate this situation, they must balance the analytics that guided their draft decisions with the potential impact of having a player like Sanders on the roster. Teams considering mid-round talents often grapple with the implications of such choices on team cohesion and public perception. For the Browns, the focus on data over human factors may lead to complications unless Shedeur Sanders earns or is given the starting position.
As the season approaches, it remains to be seen how the Browns will handle the situation. There is a possibility that ownership may influence decisions regarding the depth chart, similar to last year when the team maintained Deshaun Watson as the starting quarterback despite clear indications that a change was necessary. The unfolding narrative around Shedeur Sanders promises to be a captivating storyline in the upcoming NFL season.
