Shedeur Sanders’ Draft Day Slide: Warren Moon Weighs In on Attitude and NFL Expectations
The dramatic slide of Shedeur Sanders in the recent NFL Draft dominated sports headlines for the past week. Once touted as a potential first-round pick, Sanders’ name wasn’t called until the fifth round, a shocking turn of events that left many scratching their heads. The Cleveland Browns ultimately selected the former Colorado quarterback, prompting a brief but poignant "Thank you GOD" message from Sanders on social media.
The reasons behind Sanders’ plummet have been dissected from every conceivable angle. From concerns about his on-field performance to questions surrounding his attitude, the narrative surrounding the young quarterback shifted considerably as the draft approached. As the analysis continued, Hall of Fame quarterback Warren Moon added his voice to the conversation during a visit to Churchill Downs in anticipation of the Kentucky Derby.
Moon, a nine-time Pro Bowler with a legendary career under his belt, offered some pointed advice to Sanders as he prepares to embark on his NFL journey with the Browns. His central message focused on humility and leadership, two qualities he deemed essential for success at the quarterback position.
"You can’t act like a cornerback when you’re playing quarterback," Moon stated during an appearance on "Up & Adams." He emphasized that the quarterback role demands a specific kind of demeanor. "Quarterback is a humble position. You’ve got to be respectful."
Moon didn’t mince words about the immense responsibility that comes with being an NFL quarterback. He underscored the importance of Sanders understanding the weight of the position. "You’ve got to be a leader. You’re the face of the franchise. There’s so much more responsibility that comes along with it, (and) that’s what he has to understand," Moon added.
Beyond Moon’s insights, the article also revealed some concerning feedback from an anonymous NFL assistant coach regarding their pre-draft interview with Sanders. This coach described the encounter as "the worst formal interview" they had ever experienced. The coach’s criticism went beyond mere personality clashes, delving into perceived flaws in Sanders’ game.
The anonymous coach accused Sanders of being "entitled," noting tendencies like taking "unnecessary sacks" and failing to play "on time." He further alleged that Sanders displayed "horrible body language" and had a habit of "blam[ing] teammates" for his shortcomings. Perhaps the most damning assessment was the coach’s blunt conclusion: "… But the biggest thing is he’s not that good."
These allegations, though unconfirmed and coming from a single, unnamed source, undoubtedly contributed to the negative narrative surrounding Sanders in the lead-up to the draft. They paint a picture of a quarterback who may need to mature significantly both on and off the field to reach his full potential.
Despite the pre-draft scrutiny and the critical feedback, Moon maintained an optimistic outlook for Sanders’ future. He emphasized that the draft represented a clean slate, a fresh opportunity for Sanders to prove himself.
"You (Sanders) understand the things that you might’ve done wrong or done right throughout the pre-draft process, but now you’re drafted," Moon said, acknowledging that Sanders likely had time to reflect on the events of the past few months. He continued, "You’re in an organization. You’ve got a chance to go in there and make a name for yourself. It’s how you go about doing it. It’s how you attack it."
Moon pointed out that the quarterback position in Cleveland wasn’t firmly settled, suggesting that Sanders has a genuine opportunity to compete for playing time. "There’s nobody there that’s solidified in that job at quarterback right now," Moon stated.
Indeed, Sanders enters a quarterback room that includes Deshaun Watson, Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, and Dillon Gabriel. While Watson is the presumed starter, his performance has been inconsistent, and the other quarterbacks on the roster have their own question marks. This situation could provide Sanders with a valuable opportunity to learn from veteran quarterbacks and potentially compete for a role in the future.
Sanders’ college statistics were certainly impressive. He finished the 2024 season at Colorado with 4,134 passing yards, showcasing his arm talent and ability to produce in a high-profile offense. However, translating college success to the NFL is never a guarantee.
The key for Sanders will be to heed the advice of veterans like Warren Moon, address the concerns raised by scouts and coaches, and demonstrate the humility and leadership necessary to thrive in the NFL. The Cleveland Browns have taken a chance on him, and now it’s up to Sanders to make the most of that opportunity. His journey will be one of the most closely watched storylines in the upcoming NFL season. Whether he can overcome the negative pre-draft perceptions and live up to his potential remains to be seen.
