Sep 14, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) before the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images

‘Most Shameful Development’: Skip Bayless Reveals His True Thoughts on Shedeur Sanders’ Draft Situation

Originally posted on Gridiron Heroics
By Angelo Guinhawa | Last updated Sep 19, 2025 9:32 AM ET

The recent NFL draft saw Shedeur Sanders, a highly touted quarterback , fall unexpectedly to the Cleveland Browns, prompting sharp commentary from sports analysts like Skip Bayless. Bayless has been vocal about his belief that the treatment Sanders received during the draft process reflects poorly on the league, suggesting it exposes systemic biases.

Critics of the draft process have pointed to the various factors that led to Sanders sliding down the board. Despite being viewed as a strong prospect, teams opted for other players, citing concerns about his performance and character. This has led to discussions about how perceptions of players can be influenced by their backgrounds, particularly when it involves the children of famous athletes.

In his recent social media posts, Bayless expressed outrage over the decision-making that led to Sanders not being selected higher. He suggested that the narratives surrounding Sanders were fueled by prejudice and a misunderstanding of his abilities. Bayless’s stance resonates with many who believe that the NFL’s evaluation processes can often be flawed and unfair.

Sanders’ debut performance with the Browns has also drawn mixed reviews, further complicating the narrative around his draft status. While some have praised his potential, others have criticized his ability to perform under pressure. This inconsistency has led to debates about whether the Browns’ management made the right choice in how they have handled his development.

Skip Bayless Shares His Thoughts About Cleveland Browns Rookie Shedeur Sanders’ Draft Situation

Aug 8, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) with the ball in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Bayless revealed what he thought about Sanders’ draft situation when he turned pro a couple of months ago. This can be seen in a video shared by The Arena: Gridiron on X.

As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Sanders to see how he responds to these challenges. His growth as a player will be crucial not only for his career but also for the broader conversation about equity and representation in the NFL.

Aug 8, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) with the ball in the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

The discourse surrounding Shedeur Sanders and his draft experience raises important questions about the treatment of young athletes in professional sports. As Skip Bayless and others continue to highlight these issues, the hope is for a more just and equitable system that recognizes talent over bias.

Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) is all smiles during NFL training camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus, Wednesday, July 30, 2025, in Berea, Ohio.

This article first appeared on Gridiron Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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