The long, precipitous fall for Shedeur Sanders is over.
The Browns finally decided to take a swing at the Colorado quarterback, selecting him in the fifth round at No. 144 overall. Five quarterbacks were taken in front of Sanders, including Cam Ward at No. 1 to the Titans, Jaxson Dart at No. 21 to the Giants, Tyler Shough at No. 40 to the Saints, Jalen Milroe at No. 92 to the Seahawks, and Dillon Gabriel at No. 94 to the Browns.
The most polarizing draft prospect in decades will now join a crowded quarterback room in Cleveland that includes a player who was drafted two rounds ahead of him. He'll also be competing with seasoned veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett — all in the shadow of an injured veteran QB with a massive guaranteed contract for two more years.
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The Browns have been trying to find a franchise quarterback for generations. Can Sanders be the player who finally takes control?
Here's what to know about Shedeur Sanders and the Browns quarterback depth chart.
Which team drafted Shedeur Sanders?
Sanders was selected by the Browns at No. 144 overall, 50 picks behind his new teammate Dillon Gabriel. Sanders, who early in the draft process was considered a player who could go in the top five, ended up falling into the fifth round.
There were many reasons floated during the draft as to why Sanders was sliding so far. Nearly everything, from his physical limitations to character concerns to not wanting to be at the mercy of Deion Sanders, was discussed. Cleveland ultimately decided he was worth a selection as the draft wore on.
Browns QB depth chart
| QB | Player |
| 1. | Joe Flacco |
| 2. | Kenny Pickett |
| 3. | Dillon Gabriel |
| 4. | Shedeur Sanders |
| 5. | Deshaun Watson (injured) |
Given Sanders' draft position, he'll likely start at the bottom of Cleveland's quarterback depth chart. It's anyone's guess as to who the Week 1 starter will be.
The organization is in a state of turmoil at the position right now. Deshaun Watson is expected to miss the 2025 season after rupturing his Achilles during the 2024 season and again in the offseason. The Browns traded for Pickett and signed Flacco during free agency. Unless Watson can make a miraculous comeback from his injuries, none of those players are considered long-term options at quarterback, leaving the door open for one of the rookies.
Cleveland also decided to move back in the first round this year and acquired a second first-round pick next year. That quarterback class is expected to be much better, and if Sanders cannot win the quarterback job during the 2025 season, the Browns could search for an answer all over again in the 2026 NFL Draft.
It's unlikely that all four QBs will be on the roaster when Week 1 rolls around next season, and of the group, Gabriel is probably the safest given the draft capital expended to get him. Either way, Sanders faces an uphill battle, but it wouldn't be a huge shock if he entered the season as Cleveland's primary backup.