During the 2018 NFL Draft process, a former GM stood firm while others wavered. Despite doubts, he backed a brash, undersized QB out of Oklahoma—Baker Mayfield—helping drive the Browns to select him No. 1 overall. That conviction wasn’t born of hype, but sideline study. So when this same longtime evaluator recently said he was “blown away” watching Shedeur Sanders command a huddle from 10 feet away, it raised more than a few eyebrows. Especially because, unlike Mayfield, Sanders didn’t go first. He went 144th.
The Shedeur Sanders slide in the 2025 NFL draft was so wild that it ruffled everyone’s feathers. Almost 20 days away, it still remains the hot topic of discussion among the fans, analyst, and league executives. Former NFL GM Scot McCloughan is one of those who has gained some popularity for drafting big quarterbacks. He was the Seahawks‘ Senior personnel executive when they drafted Russell Wilson. But even he didn’t see this coming. Just like the millions of fans, he was surprised. But his claims are even more outrageous.
On the May 16 episode of 92.3 The Fan, he told the hosts Jonathan Peterlin and Nick Wilson about a game he watched from the sidelines. The NFL executive said, “What’s he (Shedeur Sanders) doing? He’s going to his alignment, running backs, receivers. They are just talking football. You could tell they all looked at him, listen to him. He was their leader, by far.”
At Jackson State, he put up 70 touchdowns across two seasons, led the Tigers to an undefeated regular season, and won SWAC Offensive Player of the Year—twice. In his final college season for Colorado, his numbers were 4,134 yards, 37 touchdowns, 10 picks, and a national-best 74.0% completion rate, a school record. McCloughan was the Browns’ consultant in 2018 when they drafted Baker Mayfield. So, he understands the NFL QB requirements. He made his opinion on Sanders very clear, “I gave him a first-round grade and I just don’t throw those around like they’re anything. In my opinion, he was the best QB in this draft.”
“I gave him a first-round grade and I just don’t throw those around like they’re anything. In my opinion, he was the best QB in this draft.”
Former NFL GM @MccloughanScot w/ @NickWilsonSays & @JPeterlin on #Browns QB Shedeur Sanders
Listen: https://t.co/zKlit9vEie pic.twitter.com/69jMpTk1zO
— 92.3 The Fan (@923TheFan) May 16, 2025
Shedeur Sanders led the Big 12 in passing yards and became the first Colorado QB to eclipse 4,000 yards in a season. He also won Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year and the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award. The off-field story often gets more headlines—watches, G-Wagons, Prime Time DNA. But these things don’t happen by chance. It’s deliberate planning and hard work.
The numbers speak for themselves. The executive even called him above average—high praise by his standards. And the rookie is putting in the work to prove all his doubters wrong.
Shedeur Sanders ready for the next challenge
After the Browns drafted the rookie in the 5th round (144th overall), he is ready to face the next phase of challenges. After the rookie minicamp, he declared his plans and said, “I’m ready to take on the challenge and prove myself at the highest level.” During a recent autograph signing event for Panini America, he was all smiles and hopeful for the best.
While a majority of analysts have criticized his dad, ‘Coach Prime’ Deion Sanders, for being one of the factors behind his draft slide, the signal caller is still happy. The belief is still there. He praised his father and added, “Having my dad by my side has been invaluable,” Sanders mentioned. “His experience and guidance have shaped how I approach the game.” That’s true. Coach Prime has done everything for his children.
Even during the minicamp, he worked 20 minutes extra after every practice. His commitment impressed the fans, who are slowly turning in his favor. His story has all the ingredients to become folklore!
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