The 2025 draft is over, and teams have not only moved on but have also wrapped up their rookie minicamps. Yet fans still can’t wrap their heads around Shedeur Sanders’s unexpected slide. No one predicted he would fall to Day 3 of the draft. Despite that, the quarterback remains confident in his talent. Still, the mystery lingers—and everyone wants to dive deeper into the rabbit hole. The NFL dealt him a tough reality check during the draft. But will that continue in the future? Probably not.

On a recent episode of The Pacman Jones Show, hosts Pacman Jones and Evan Rosenblum asked former NFL GM Scot McCloughan for his take on the Colorado QB’s draft-day drop. For those unfamiliar, McCloughan was the senior personnel executive for the Seattle Seahawks when they drafted Russell Wilson in the third round (75th overall). At the time, critics pointed to Wilson’s height (5-foot-11) as a red flag. However, McCloughan didn’t change his mind. The result? Wilson went on to win Super Bowl XLVIII (2013) and led the Seahawks back to the big stage the following year.

Drawing a similar comparison to Shedeur Sanders, McCloughan offered high praise: “I gave him a first (grade). I think he’ll be the best quarterback out of this draft when it’s all said and done. When his career settles down, he’ll be the best quarterback taken in this draft.” That’s some bold belief right there. Of course, being overlooked in the draft is sure to fuel Sanders’s motivation—and you can bet he’s ready to put in the extra work to prove the doubters wrong.

However, McCloughan revealed a game that he watched from the sidelines. During the game, Travis Hunter missed a pass from his QB, which angered Sanders so much that he said, “Don’t you ever throw your arms up in the air like that again. If I miss a throw, I miss a throw. And Travis Hunter bowed down to him.” In that exact moment, the GM saw glimpses of greatness, toughness, and competitiveness. He got excited and added, “Wow, this guy is pretty freaking cool.”

Despite his late draft position, the Colorado QB is now pumped up to win games. Even in the rookie minicamp, he stayed late for 20 minutes after each practice. He is ready for QB1 competition.

Browns legend gives a powerful message to Shedeur Sanders

The Browns have plenty of players in their QB room now. While Deshaun Watson is recovering from his Achilles injury, they have alternatives in Joe Flacco and Dillon Gabriel. But the 5th-round pick is ready to win the starter job with his performance. Browns legend, Hanford Dixon, recorded at least 2 interceptions from 1982 to 1989. He gave a powerful message to Shedeur Sanders.

During his show, the legend said, “One thing that he realizes that (Deion) has told him is it doesn’t matter where you were drafted, the most important thing is that you were drafted.” But he also emphasized working hard and showing his heart.

Dixon added, “You have to show your talent. Uh, you have to lead by example. And I think, uh, that’s one of the things that he’s going to attempt to do on this football team.” Shedeur Sanders understands this well. His name and fame alone won’t carry him forward—only results will. Speaking to reporters after camp, he said, “I’m here to work and win.”

He’s not concerned with what’s happening off the field. That kind of singular focus can work wonders. With a full offseason ahead to build chemistry with his teammates, the rookie has plenty of time to learn and grow.

Head coach Kevin Stefanski is keeping a close eye on everything. And when the time comes, he’ll put his trust in the players who give the team the best chance to win.