Ravens Targeted Shedeur Sanders in Draft According to Sources

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September 14, 2025

Sanders Declined Ravens Draft Pick, Sought Clearer Path to Playing Time

The National Football League witnessed a rare display of player agency during the recent draft proceedings as Shedeur Sanders, a highly touted quarterback prospect, proactively steered clear of the Baltimore Ravens. Sources indicate that Sanders communicated to team officials his reluctance to join a roster where immediate playing time wasn’t anticipated, given the presence of established star Lamar Jackson.

A Calculated decision

According to league insiders, Sanders evaluated his options and resolute that a more favorable situation for his early development lay elsewhere. He reportedly understood that Jackson, a two-time Most Valuable Player, remained firmly entrenched as the Ravens’ starting quarterback for the foreseeable future. Rather than accept a position with limited opportunities, Sanders expressed a preference for a team offering a quicker path to on-field experience.

Player	team (Initial Interest)	Team (Final Selection)
Shedeur Sanders	Baltimore Ravens	Cleveland browns
Lamar Jackson	Baltimore Ravens	Baltimore Ravens

Browns Trade Up For Sanders

The Baltimore Ravens, respecting Sanders’ wishes, ultimately selected offensive lineman Carson Vinson with the 141st pick. Just three selections later, the Cleveland Browns seized the opportunity, trading up to acquire Sanders at pick 144. This move positions Sanders within a Browns quarterback room alongside veteran Joe Flacco and fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel.

The Browns had a more open quarterback competition heading into training camp, a factor that likely appealed to Sanders. Recent roster moves, including the trade of Kenny Pickett to the Las Vegas Raiders and the release of Tyler Huntley, further cleared a pathway for Sanders to potentially compete for a role on the 53-man roster.

preseason Performance and Current Status

Sanders demonstrated promising flashes during the preseason,notably delivering an outstanding debut performance. However, a subsequent oblique injury sidelined him for one game, and he reportedly struggled in the final preseason contest against the los Angeles rams, where he was sacked five times.

Currently, Sanders is listed as the third-string quarterback for the Browns, operating primarily with the scout team. Quarterbacks coach Bill Musgrave has highlighted the dedication of Sanders, Gabriel, and practice squad quarterback Bailey Zappe in preparing the defense by accurately simulating opposing offenses.

Did you Know? The NFL has seen a growing trend of players exerting more control over their draft destinations,prioritizing fit and opportunity over simply being drafted by any team.

Looking Ahead to Sunday’s Matchup

Sanders and the Browns are preparing to face the Ravens this Sunday in Baltimore, a game that will pit the two teams against each other, both coming off of Week 1 losses. This matchup offers a compelling narrative as Sanders enters the stadium where he was initially expected to begin his professional career.

Pro Tip: Keep an eye on sanders’ development throughout the season. His ability to learn from veterans like Flacco and adapt to the NFL game will be crucial for his long-term success.

The Rise of Player Agency in the NFL Draft

For decades, the NFL Draft was largely dictated by team needs and scouting evaluations. However, in recent years, players have become increasingly vocal about their preferences, leveraging their marketability and seeking a greater say in where they begin their careers. This shift is fueled by factors such as increased media coverage, the rise of social media, and the growing recognition of the importance of player empowerment.

Players are now more likely to assess not only a team’s talent but also its coaching staff, offensive scheme, and overall organizational culture.The Sanders situation exemplifies this trend,demonstrating that a player’s desire for a clear path to playing time can outweigh other considerations. As the NFL continues to evolve, expect to see further instances of players taking control of their draft destinies.

Frequently Asked Questions About Shedeur Sanders and the NFL Draft

• What prompted Shedeur Sanders to decline a draft pick from the Ravens? Sanders reportedly wanted to join a team where he had a more immediate opportunity to play, believing his chances would be limited behind Lamar Jackson.
• Where was Shedeur Sanders ultimately drafted? he was selected by the Cleveland Browns after they traded up to secure his services.
• What is Shedeur Sanders’ current role on the Browns? He is currently listed as the third-string quarterback and is working with the scout team.
• How did the Ravens respond to Sanders’ decision? The Ravens respected his wishes and drafted offensive lineman carson Vinson instead.
• Is player agency becoming more common in the NFL Draft? Yes, players are increasingly prioritizing fit and opportunity over simply being drafted, and are leveraging their influence to shape their careers.
• What are the potential long-term implications of players having more say in their draft destinations? It could lead to a more competitive and player-centric league, but also potentially create challenges for teams in managing player expectations.

What are your thoughts on Sanders’ decision? Do you believe more players should have the ability to influence their draft destinations? Share your comments below!

What specific aspects of Shedeur Sanders’ arm talent aligned with the Ravens’ existing offensive play-calling tendencies?

Ravens’ QB Pursuit: A Deep Dive into the Shedeur Sanders Interest

Recent reports indicate the Baltimore Ravens heavily considered Shedeur Sanders, the Colorado Buffaloes quarterback, during the 2025 NFL Draft process. Sources close to the team reveal Sanders was a consistent name on the Ravens’ draft board, sparking significant internal debate regarding his potential fit within the AFC North contenders.This news comes as no surprise to many analysts who’ve followed Sanders’ extraordinary collegiate career and burgeoning NFL prospect status. The Ravens, known for their strategic quarterback evaluation, clearly saw something in the Colorado star.

Scouting Report: What Attracted the Ravens to Shedeur Sanders?

The Ravens’ interest wasn’t simply based on name recognition. several key attributes likely drew their attention:

* Arm Talent: Sanders possesses a strong and accurate arm, capable of making all the necessary throws at the NFL level. His deep ball accuracy is particularly noteworthy, a crucial element in the Ravens’ offensive scheme.

* Pocket Presence: despite his relatively young age,Sanders demonstrates poise and awareness in the pocket,navigating pressure effectively and making swift decisions. This is a critical skill for success against the aggressive pass rushes common in the AFC North.

* Football IQ: Coached by Deion Sanders, Shedeur has demonstrably high football intelligence. He quickly processes defenses and adjusts his reads accordingly.

* Leadership Qualities: Sanders is widely regarded as a natural leader, commanding respect from his teammates and exhibiting a strong work ethic.

These qualities align with the Ravens’ ancient preference for intelligent, poised quarterbacks. The team has a track record of developing quarterbacks who excel in reading defenses and making pre-snap adjustments – traits Sanders clearly possesses.

The Draft Landscape & Baltimore’s QB situation

Heading into the 2025 draft, the Ravens were in a unique position. Lamar Jackson, while a proven superstar, had a contract situation looming, and the team needed to consider long-term options at the quarterback position.

* Lamar Jackson’s Contract: The uncertainty surrounding Jackson’s future contract likely prompted the Ravens to explore potential replacements, even if only as a contingency plan.

* Backup QB Depth: The Ravens’ backup quarterback situation was also a factor. Identifying a capable successor was a priority, irrespective of Jackson’s status.

* Competition in the AFC North: The AFC North is a notoriously competitive division,requiring a strong quarterback to contend for a playoff spot.the Ravens needed to ensure they had a quarterback capable of matching up against the likes of Joe Burrow and Deshaun Watson.

Why Shedeur Sanders? A Scheme Fit Analysis

The Ravens’ offensive scheme, traditionally a blend of run-pass options (RPOs) and play-action passing, could have been a natural fit for Sanders’ skillset.

* RPO Proficiency: Sanders excelled in RPO-heavy offenses at Colorado, demonstrating the ability to quickly read defenses and make accurate throws on the move.

* Play-Action Expertise: His arm strength and accuracy make him an ideal candidate for play-action passing, a staple of the Ravens’ attack.

* Mobility Factor: While not a dual-threat quarterback in the mold of Lamar Jackson, Sanders possesses sufficient mobility to extend plays and escape pressure.

the Decision: Why Sanders Wasn’t the Pick

Ultimately, the Ravens did not select Shedeur Sanders in the 2025 NFL Draft. Several factors likely contributed to this decision:

* Lamar Jackson Extension: The Ravens reached an agreement with Lamar Jackson on a long-term contract extension, removing the immediate need for a quarterback replacement.

* Draft Day Trades: The Ravens may have been unable to trade up to secure Sanders,who was ultimately drafted earlier by another team.

* other QB prospects: Other quarterback prospects may have been deemed a better fit for the Ravens’ long-term plans.

Sanders’ NFL Trajectory: What to Expect

Despite not landing in Baltimore, Shedeur Sanders is poised for a successful NFL career. His talent, work ethic, and football IQ suggest he has the potential to become a starting quarterback in the league. Analysts predict he will thrive in a system that allows him to utilize his arm talent and make quick decisions. His progress will be closely watched by fans and scouts alike. The Colorado quarterback is a name to remember in the coming years.