NFL insider James Palmer said after the draft that people around the league are saying Sanders’ selection was driven by Browns owner Jimmy Haslam, rather than a collective decision that included general manager Andrew Berry and head coach Kevin Stefanski (starts at 4:12 mark).

Execs liked Cleveland's approach, but the process raised questions, while many had doubts about the Jaguars' bold move for Travis Hunter.

Browns GM Andrew Berry told Shedeur Sanders that the quarterback has to "get ready to go to work and prove all the people who passed on you wrong" when Cleveland selected him in the 2025 NFL Draft.