With the 2025 NFL draft behind us, the lasting memory of Colorado Buffaloes star quarterback Shedeur Sanders falling to Day 3 will carry on decades to come. As a one-time projected top pick, ‘Grown’ could be the biggest steal in Cleveland Browns’ history.
Sanders had a series of missteps that landed him at No. 144 overall, but he’s ready to work to make the Browns a better franchise. One of his ‘Welcome to the NFL’ announcements came on Thursday with his first official Panini Instant Rookie Card, which is set to be released soon. This is part of his previously announced partnership with Panini America.
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“Dawg Pound! Cleveland, are y’all ready? It’s time to get to work… @Browns #NFLDraft Perfect Timing Check out my 1st Panini Instant Rookie card,” Sanders wrote on social media.
Sanders will be trying to work his way up the depth chart in Cleveland. Before the draft, the Browns signed veteran Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett. It was the start of a rebuild in the QB room after Deshaun Watson’s Achilles injury. The one-time starter will still be on board and voice his opinion, but is likely done in the NFL. Oregon’s Dillion Gabriel will also be in the future plans.
Related: Former Colorado player turns heads with his assessment of Shedeur Sanders
Sanders will have an opportunity to earn his spot as the future QB in Cleveland. “I’m trying to bring Cleveland a Super Bowl,” Sanders said during a visit to a local high school on Wednesday.
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Related: Deion Sanders found out the NFL kept receipts on Shedeur as a first-rounder
Sanders won the Johnny Unitas award as the top quarterback in college football in 2024, when he was named first-team All-American by multiple publications and second-team by the AP. Â He was the unanimous choice for the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year and named first-team All-Big 12 by all the publications that picked the team.