The Cleveland Browns’ stunning choice of Shedeur Sanders within the fifth spherical has turn into one of many 2025 NFL Draft’s most bewildering storylines.
As soon as projected as a top-five expertise, Sanders plummeted to choose No. 144 total, a slide extra dramatic than even Aaron Rodgers or Lamar Jackson skilled of their draft years.
Because the narrative round Sanders shifted, New York Giants extensive receiver Malik Nabers stepped ahead to defend the quarterback many thought would turn into his teammate.
Nabers took difficulty with the criticism that derailed Sanders’ draft inventory.
“Yeah, he may need some issues that he would possibly say on digicam or off the sector. No matter it’s coping with that, that don’t should do with how he performs soccer,” Nabers mentioned. “You don’t do one thing like that to someone like that. To not a child that’s been working his entire life. Been instructed that Deion’s children had been by no means gonna be nearly as good as him.”
Highly effective: Giants star WR Malik Nabers is ANGRY that Browns QB Shedeur Sanders fell within the draft:
“You do not do one thing like that to someone like that. To not a child that is been working his entire life. Been instructed that Deion’s children had been by no means gonna be nearly as good as him.”
Nabers is… pic.twitter.com/4tN7VwPuZQ
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) Might 1, 2025
Nabers refused to let Sanders’ expertise go unrecognized amid the criticism.
Whereas analysts pointed to Sanders’ tendency to take sacks behind Colorado’s struggling offensive line, Nabers highlighted the quarterback’s outstanding 70% completion price regardless of fixed strain.
The Giants receiver praised Sanders’ pocket mobility, noting how he usually escaped a number of defenders earlier than delivering correct throws downfield.
With Sanders persistently serving to his receivers attain the top zone—many scoring 7-8 touchdowns—Nabers sees no justification for doubting his skills.
What stood out in Nabers’ protection was his emphasis on Sanders’ dedication to spreading the ball successfully, making certain his receivers “get their numbers”—a top quality Nabers clearly values.
This makes the draft slide significantly putting, as Sanders was extensively anticipated to affix Nabers in New York when the Giants chosen third total.
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