Based on talent, many fans, including knowledgeable evaluators, projected Shedeur Sanders to be among the top 5 selections in the 2025 NFL Draft. Even Shedeur Sanders himself felt that he was going to ace it.
“I’m built for whatever today may bring,” Shedeur tweeted moments before the draft.
His confidence finessed the anticipation of many. Drawing confidence in fans who were assured that Shedeur Sanders was going to be among the top 5 picks.
But in a twist that got even the experienced analysts in shock, Shedeur Sanders slipped down to the fifth round. Still, what followed remained a celebration of resilience, opportunity, and unity for the Colorado Buffaloes.
Shedeur Sanders Found Opportunity In the Unexpected
From a possible 3rd overall pick, Shedeur Sanders found himself in the 144th position. You might have expected him to frown, but Shedeur Sanders saw an opportunity in the unexpected.
Following the unexpected drop in his pick, the Colorado quarterback took to his X and wrote, “Thank you GOD.” This got the nerves of some people, but other fans appreciated Shedeur Sanders’ calmness and patience in the face of adversity.
Regardless of the mood of his fans, Shedeur Sanders stayed positive. This was his opportunity. The grateful football player was happy to get a spot with the Cleveland Browns, who were already accommodating four QBs in their room.
Appearing in the top picks was something to flex. But getting drafted meant everything to Shedeur Sanders. He’d at least gotten something, unlike his brother Shilo Sanders, who wasn’t even drafted!
What Shilo Sanders Did After Failing to Get Drafted
Shilo Sanders slipped through all the rounds of the draft. As an undrafted free agent, Shilo got the rare chance of choosing the most ideal situation for himself. He ended up getting an opportunity with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, which is an excellent place for a rookie to start.
To cheer his son up, Deion Sanders appeared on Shilo’s Twitch stream shortly after the news. “Shilo has been consistent, a pillar of consistency. I’m so proud of him,” said Prime.
“He does not take a back seat to his brother. He does not take a back seat to anybody. He is a worker,” he added, lauding Shilo’s selfless nature towards his brother and his work ethic.
However, Shilo didn’t have a very appealing profile.
In his past season with Colorado, Shilo had 67 tackles and a sack in 10 games. He’s also filed for bankruptcy in the past. That’s after sinking a cool $11.89 million when he was in high school to cover default judgment charges after failing to appear in court after allegedly assaulting a security guard.
Admittedly, Shilo’s off-field issue, production, and athletic profile didn’t give him much chance of being drafted. But if he remains consistent, as his dad says, his talent will pay off in the NFL soon.
Warren Sapp’s Daughter Sends a Heartfelt Message to CU Stars
Mercedes Sapp, daughter of Hall of Famer Warren Sapp, sent warm congratulatory messages to Shedeur, Shilo, and other CU players who were signed to the NFL. Taking to her Instagram story, Cedes reacted to Shedeur’s late pick, “144 is a powerful number. Go get ’em, Mr. AP.”
Before Shedeur got drafted, Mercedes had shared a relatable story about the quarterback’s situation.
Shared on her Instagram stories was a young Naruto stranded in a big arena. Hundreds of people were looking and projecting what he’d do next. This story felt like she was alluding to how everyone’s attention was focused on Shedeur during the Draft. In a way, it seemed like a statement that it was Shedeur against the world.
The Sapp and Sanders families have had close ties. Warren Sapp looked out for Shedeur as a father figure, too. Mercedes Sapp’s message shows how deep the love goes between the two families.
She even congratulated WR Jimmy Horn Jr. (208th pick to the Panthers), WR Will Shepard (signed by the Bucs as an undrafted free agent), and WR LaJohntay Wester (203rd pick to the Ravens).
Even at the 144th pick, Shedeur Sanders helped make a statement for Colorado football. With the most wide receivers taken in the 2025 NFL Draft, CU’s dominance at the WR position points out an explosive offensive evolution under Coach Prime. And guess who threw them the ball?
This surge isn’t by chance. It’s a result of a well-thought-out system that grounds raw talent into NFL-ready stars. Shedeur’s selection is living proof that the Sanders’ family blueprint is working.
Also Read: All About Warren Sapp’s 6 Kids: What Do They Do For a Living?