Browns Owner Jimmy Haslam Denies Influence on Shedeur Sanders Pick

BEREA, Ohio — Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam has often been criticized for being too involved in the team’s football decisions. However, he made it clear on Tuesday that drafting rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders was not his call.

“Blame me for plenty, but not this,” Haslam told reporters during his annual training camp media session alongside his wife, Dee.

Despite speculation, Haslam insisted that the decision to select Sanders in the fifth round of April’s draft was entirely General Manager Andrew Berry’s choice.

Browns Surprise NFL World with Sanders Selection

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The Browns shocked many analysts when they drafted Sanders two rounds after selecting Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel. What made the move even more surprising was Sanders’ projected status—some experts had him going as high as No. 2 overall.

Instead, Cleveland passed on Sanders six times before taking him late on Day 3 of the draft. This fueled speculation that Haslam, known for a hands-on approach, had orchestrated the decision after being seen in the draft room when the pick was made.

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Haslam Explains the Draft-Day Process

Haslam dismissed the rumors, emphasizing that the organization followed its usual process:

“If you’d have told me Friday night, ‘Y’all are going to pick Shedeur,’ I would’ve said, ‘That’s not happening,’” Haslam said. “But we had a conversation early that morning and later that day. I think we had the right people involved.”

He praised Berry and the front office for sticking to their evaluations and collaborating as a team rather than caving to external pressure.

Why Did Shedeur Sanders Fall to the Fifth Round?

Sanders, the son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, had a standout college career at Colorado, where he displayed poise, accuracy, and leadership. Many analysts projected him as a top-five pick before the draft. However, a few factors contributed to his slide:

  • Injury Concerns: Sanders dealt with minor injuries late in his college career, which raised durability questions.

  • Competition Depth: A strong quarterback class pushed some prospects, including Sanders, down the board.

  • System Fit: Some teams were uncertain about how his college style would translate to the NFL.

Despite these concerns, the Browns see Sanders as a high-upside developmental player who can compete in the future.

Conclusion: A Strategic Move or a Gamble?

The Browns’ decision to draft Shedeur Sanders in the fifth round could turn out to be a steal or a missed opportunity. Jimmy Haslam insists he had no direct role in the pick, placing the responsibility on GM Andrew Berry and the team’s scouting process.

For now, Sanders’ future in Cleveland will depend on his ability to adapt to the NFL game and seize opportunities during training camp and preseason. If he lives up to his college reputation, the Browns might have found their quarterback of the future—without spending a first-round pick.

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