Cris Carter Blames Shedeur Sanders for Falling to Fifth Round of the NFL Draft

Shedeur Sanders' unexpected drop to the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft has sparked significant debate among analysts and former athletes. Hall of Fame wide receiver Cris Carter, during an episode of the 'Fully Loaded' podcast, expressed that Sanders has only himself to blame for this outcome. Carter drew comparisons to a job interview, criticizing Sanders for focusing excessively on his appearance, including a necklace valued over a hundred thousand dollars, instead of prioritizing the traits that would convince teams of his potential leadership. Carter's commentary suggested that Sanders may have come off to NFL scouts as 'entitled,' which likely contributed to his plummet in draft stock despite high expectations from his family and agent. In addition, former NFL running back Merrill Hoge has made waves with his stark criticism of Sanders' playing ability. Analyzing Sanders' college performance, Hoge claimed that while he displayed good accuracy and processing skills, these attributes were only average at a professional level. Hoge emphasized that Sanders' completion percentage was inflated by a high number of short screen passes, raising concerns about his readiness to succeed in the NFL. The consensus among critics seems to be that Sanders may not have adequately prepared for the rigorous demands of the NFL, with both Carter and Hoge suggesting that he and his family misjudged the situation by narrowing down potential franchises and rejecting teams they deemed undesirable. The implications of Sanders' performance leading up to the draft have now placed him in a competitive position, battling for both playing time and a stable roster spot with the Cleveland Browns, where he must prove he can translate his college success into professional achievement. The conversation surrounding Sanders highlights the pressures and expectations young athletes face entering the NFL, showcasing how perception, preparation, and personal decisions can significantly impact their future careers. Despite this setback, the NFL has a history of players overcoming similar dilemmas to find success, leaving fans and analysts wondering if Sanders can indeed rise above the criticisms and carve out his niche in the league.