One of the most intriguing storylines of the 2025 NFL draft was the dramatic fall of former Colorado Buffaloes star quarterback Shedeur Sanders.
For much of the offseason, Sanders was projected as the No. 2 quarterback on the board and a potential top-five pick.
However, after a series of questionable pre-draft interviews, his decision not to participate in the NFL combine, and other contributing factors, he slid all the way to the fifth round. He was ultimately selected as the sixth quarterback off the board, going to the Cleveland Browns with the No. 144 overall pick.
Now, as Sanders begins his journey with the Browns and arrives in Cleveland this week, he announced some exciting news on Thursday—his first official Panini Instant Rookie Card is set to be released, marking a new partnership with Panini America.
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 enters a crowded and competitive quarterback room in Cleveland. The Browns also selected former Oregon Ducks standout Dillon Gabriel in the third round—one of the more surprising moves of the draft, considering Sanders was widely regarded as the more prominent prospect heading into the weekend.
The Browns currently have Deshaun Watson—still under contract and rehabbing from an Achilles injury—alongside veteran Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett, who was signed in free agency earlier this offseason.
Despite the crowded quarterback room, Sanders will have a prime opportunity to earn his spot and potentially become the franchise’s future starter. He made his intentions clear shortly after being drafted.
"I'm trying to bring Cleveland a Super Bowl," Sanders said during a visit to a local Cleveland high school this week.
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