“I pray that Shedeur gets a chance somewhere else”: The injustice plaguing Deion Sanders’ son

Shedeur Sanders may be preparing for his first NFL start of the season, but Skip Bayless believes the Cleveland Browns quarterback is still paying the price for the reputation that contributed to his dramatic fall in the 2025 NFL Draft.

The former Colorado star has spent much of his second professional season backing up Deshaun Watson , having lost the starting competition during training camp despite gaining valuable experience as a rookie.

However, Watson 's placement in concussion protocol has created an unexpected opportunity for Sanders , who has been taking first-team practice repetitions ahead of Sunday's game against the New Orleans Saints.

The development has prompted Bayless to revisit one of the most controversial stories from last year's draft, when Sanders slipped to the fifth round despite entering the process with considerable expectations.

Rather than accepting the quarterback's draft position as a reflection of his football ability, Bayless believes concerns about his personality influenced how teams evaluated him.

His criticism comes as Sanders prepares for a potentially significant moment in his career, with Cleveland attempting to improve on its 5-3 record.

Bayless delivered an emphatic defense of Sanders, arguing that the quarterback should have been considered for the first overall selection instead of Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward .

"What happened to Shedeur [Sanders] in his draft was the biggest draft injustice I have ever experienced," Bayless said. "I thought he should go No.1 to the Titans instead of Cam Ward."

The analyst suggested that Sanders ' confidence and perceived attitude during the pre-draft process worked against him, despite the performances he produced while playing under his father, Deion Sanders , at Colorado.

"He fell to the fifth round because people didn't like his style, the way he interviewed at the NFL Combine, his alleged arrogance," Bayless continued.

"I watched Shedeur very closely at Colorado. He's deadly accurate, he's tough, he can move better than people give him credit for, he's clutch and he's a leader."

Bayless also expressed his hope that Sanders would eventually receive an opportunity elsewhere to establish himself as a starting quarterback.

However, his claims about the motivations of NFL teams remain his personal assessment rather than an established explanation for Sanders ' draft slide.

Browns could give Shedeur the opportunity he needs

Sanders already has experience starting NFL games, having taken over during the closing stages of his rookie campaign in 2025.

He started seven games, finishing with three victories, seven touchdown passes and 10 interceptions before returning to a backup role this season.

Browns receiver Jerry Jeudy has expressed confidence in his teammate, highlighting his ability to create opportunities for Cleveland's passing attack.

"Just his competitive nature, man, his big-play ability, the way he drives the ball downfield, gives the receiver chances and just makes plays. He's a baller, man," Jeudy said.

Coach Todd Monken has also praised Sanders ' preparation, describing a quarterback who has remained engaged despite limited opportunities.

"Since I've been here, all he's done is work. All he's done is be diligent and ask great questions," Monken said.

Watson hasn't been officially ruled out against New Orleans, meaning Sanders ' availability to start remains dependent on the veteran completing concussion protocol.

Nevertheless, the potential opportunity presents Sanders with a chance to influence the debate surrounding his career through his performances rather than the opinions that have followed him since the draft.