ESPN broadcaster Dick Vitale made it abundantly clear this week that he’ll be cheering on Shedeur Sanders throughout his rookie season with the Cleveland Browns.
Leading up to the 2025 NFL Draft, most analysts had Sanders as a Day 1 pick. Even those who thought he’d slide down the draft board didn’t expect him to fall to the fifth round. That being said, Cleveland selected the Colorado product with the 144th overall pick. Most fans thought that was a steal considering he threw for 4,134 yards and 37 touchdowns during his final season of college football.
Advertisement
Sanders showcased his potential during Cleveland’s preseason opener, completing 14-of-23 passes for 138 yards with two touchdowns in a 30-10 win over the Carolina Panthers. He’ll get another chance this Saturday to prove he’s not an ordinary fifth-round pick.
Cleveland’s coaching staff has a plan in place for Sanders this weekend against the Los Angeles Rams. The same goes for Joe Flacco and Dillon Gabriel.
“We’ll play our starters in the game, depends on how the game flow goes, but between 20 to 25 plays,” Browns head coach Stefanski said. “There will be some guys that get out of there a little bit sooner than others. But it’s really an individualized plan for each guy. But you will see the starters out there.”
Advertisement
Although he’s best known for his college basketball analysis, Dickie V let everyone know that he’s rooting for Sanders this Saturday.
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – NOVEMBER 15: ESPN analyst Dick Vitale calls the game between the Kentucky Wildcats and the Michigan State Spartans during the Champions Classic at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on November 15, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)Andy Lyons/Getty Images
Vitale, who joined ESPN back in 1979, believes Sanders was snubbed by NFL teams.
“I’m rooting hard for @ShedeurSanders & any athlete that gets a raw deal,” Vitale wrote on social media. “I hope he proves that he should have NEVER been a 5th round pick. Hope he becomes a success for the @browns who drafted him in the 5th round.”
Advertisement
Did NFL teams sabotage Sanders?
There was a lot of public criticism of Sanders during the pre-draft process. Some people suggested that he flunked his interview with the New York Giants, while others said he messed up by not working out at the NFL Combine. At the end of the day though, there’s zero proof that teams intentionally tanked his stock.
On the flip side, there were people who ripped scouts for souring on Sanders.
“The NFL has been clueless for 50 years when it comes to evaluating quarterbacks,” ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. said prior to the Browns taking Sanders. “Clueless. They have no idea what they’re doing in terms of evaluating quarterbacks. That’s proof. There’s proof of that. They say, ‘We know exactly what we’re talking about when it comes to quarterbacks.’ They don’t!”
Advertisement
Sanders is projected to make Cleveland’s Week 1 roster.
According to ESPN insider Adam Schefter, there’s an “increasing feeling” that Cleveland will carry all four quarterbacks on its 53-man roster. That’s great news for Sanders.
The reality is the Browns can’t afford to cut Sanders before the regular season. Another team would claim him off waivers. Their best bet is to keep him on the 2025 roster and see if he develops behind Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett.
Advertisement
And if this season goes south quickly, the Browns could always play Sanders and see if he has what it takes to be their franchise quarterback.
This story was originally reported by The Spun on Aug 21, 2025, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.