Former NFL Pro Bowler wins $1,000 after predicting Shedeur Sanders’ shocking fall to fifth round of NFL Draft
The 2025 NFL Draft provided numerous surprises, but one of the most shocking moments came when Shedeur Sanders, the highly touted quarterback from Colorado, slid all the way to the fifth round, far below the first-round projections that many had anticipated. This unexpected turn of events not only turned heads across the league but also led to a surprising wager involving former NFL Pro Bowler Delanie Walker. Walker had made a bold prediction about Sanders’ draft position earlier in the year, and as it turns out, he won $1,000 after predicting that Sanders would fall much further than many experts had expected.
In this article, we will dive into the key details of Sanders’ unexpected draft fall, Delanie Walker’s bold prediction, and the broader implications of Sanders’ situation, all while exploring the intricacies of the NFL Draft process and the unpredictability that comes with it.
The Rise and Fall of Shedeur Sanders
Shedeur Sanders, son of NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, entered the 2025 NFL Draft as one of the most hyped quarterbacks in the country. He had led the Colorado Buffaloes to a remarkable turnaround in the 2024 season, putting up impressive numbers in the Pac-12 and proving his ability to perform on the big stage. Many analysts had pegged him as a first-round prospect, with his arm strength, accuracy, and poise in the pocket drawing attention from NFL scouts.
At the outset of the draft season, Shedeur was often mentioned alongside other top quarterbacks such as Caleb Williams from USC and Drake Maye from North Carolina. His name was frequently associated with teams in need of a quarterback, and he seemed poised to be one of the top selections in the draft. As the draft approached, however, concerns began to surface about his physical limitations, particularly his size and arm strength in comparison to other top prospects.
Moreover, there were questions about his ability to handle pressure in the NFL. While he excelled in college, Sanders’ pre-draft interviews and pro-day performance didn’t do much to alleviate doubts surrounding his transition to the professional level. While he had great college stats—throwing for over 4,100 yards and 37 touchdowns in his final season—some scouts were not convinced that his skills would translate well into the NFL’s higher level of competition.
As teams began to prioritize other quarterbacks, Sanders’ stock started to fall. The expected first-round pick slipped deeper into the draft, ultimately landing in the fifth round with the Cleveland Browns, who selected him as the 144th overall pick. This shocking slide raised many eyebrows, as Sanders was widely considered to be one of the most talented quarterbacks in the draft, despite his potential flaws.
Delanie Walker’s Bold Prediction
Long before Sanders’ draft slide became a reality, former NFL Pro Bowler Delanie Walker had made a bold prediction about Sanders’ draft prospects. Walker, known for his candid and outspoken views on the NFL, made an appearance on the “Bussin’ With The Boys” podcast, where he expressed doubts about Sanders’ projected first-round status.
“I just don’t see it happening,” Walker said at the time, referring to Sanders’ chances of being selected in the first round. “I think Shedeur’s going to fall, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he drops into the third round.”
This was a significant statement, especially considering that many draft experts were still projecting Sanders as a high first-round pick. Walker’s comments stirred up considerable debate, especially in light of Sanders’ impressive college career.
In what could be seen as a bit of lighthearted bravado, Walker and his co-hosts made a wager: If Sanders fell below the third round, Walker would win $1,000. As the draft approached and Sanders continued to slide, it became increasingly clear that Walker’s prediction was going to come true. When Sanders was selected in the fifth round by the Cleveland Browns, Walker had secured his winnings.
Walker’s victory in the bet served as a reminder of how unpredictable the draft can be, even for those players who seem to have all the right tools and a standout college career. While many draft analysts had predicted a different outcome, Walker had the foresight to trust his instincts, and in the end, his bold prediction paid off.
Why Did Shedeur Sanders Fall?
The fall of Shedeur Sanders in the 2025 NFL Draft raised questions about the complexities of the draft process and what teams are truly looking for when selecting players. While Sanders had incredible statistics and was widely considered one of the top quarterbacks in college football, his slide can be attributed to a few key factors.
- Physical Limitations: Sanders is often criticized for his size and arm strength. At 6’2″ and 210 pounds, he doesn’t have the prototypical frame that scouts typically look for in an NFL quarterback. Some evaluators questioned whether he could consistently make deep throws with the velocity required at the next level. While his college film was impressive, some felt that his mechanics needed refinement to succeed at the highest level.
- Pro-Day and Interviews: During his pro-day workouts and in interviews with teams, Sanders didn’t manage to fully address some of the concerns surrounding his game. While his leadership and football IQ were praised, his performance in these settings failed to reassure some teams that he had the skill set to make an immediate impact in the NFL.
- The QB Market: The 2025 quarterback class was deep, and several other players were also vying for high draft positions. With quarterbacks like Caleb Williams and Drake Maye dominating the conversation, teams may have simply found other prospects more fitting for their needs. Additionally, some teams were more inclined to select quarterbacks with a higher upside, even if they were considered more of a developmental project.
- Team Needs: As the draft unfolded, it became clear that certain teams prioritized immediate starters or more polished prospects at the quarterback position. Sanders’ fall can also be attributed to the fact that many teams simply didn’t have the immediate need for a quarterback that Sanders represented.
What Does the Future Hold for Sanders?
Despite his unexpected fall in the draft, Sanders still has a promising future in the NFL. Being selected by the Cleveland Browns, a team that has been investing heavily in its offense, provides Sanders with an opportunity to develop in a relatively stable environment. The Browns already have a starting quarterback in Deshaun Watson, but the team may look to develop Sanders as a future starter or valuable backup.
Sanders’ path to success will depend on his ability to prove the doubters wrong. He will have to refine his skills, particularly his mechanics and deep-ball accuracy, to compete in the NFL. However, he has shown the ability to overcome challenges before—coming from the shadow of his father, Deion Sanders, and thriving at Colorado after transferring from Jackson State.
If Sanders can develop under the right coaching staff, he still has the potential to emerge as a legitimate starter in the NFL. His leadership, poise, and impressive college resume suggest that he could eventually live up to the hype that had him pegged as a first-round pick just months ago.
The Unpredictability of the NFL Draft
The 2025 NFL Draft served as a stark reminder of how unpredictable the process can be. Despite all the data, scouting reports, and projections, the draft often presents surprises that no one can predict. Players like Sanders, who show great promise, can still fall for reasons outside their control, while other lesser-known prospects can unexpectedly rise.
For Delanie Walker, the draft presented not only an opportunity to win a bet but also a moment to highlight the unpredictable nature of the process. His bold prediction was met with skepticism at the time but ultimately proved to be spot on. It also underscores the difficulty of evaluating talent and predicting the future of NFL prospects. Even the most experienced observers can be surprised by how things unfold.
Shedeur Sanders’ dramatic fall in the 2025 NFL Draft was one of the most talked-about storylines of the event. While many had expected him to be a first-round pick, he slid to the fifth round, where he was selected by the Cleveland Browns. Former NFL Pro Bowler Delanie Walker made a bold prediction about Sanders’ draft position and ended up winning $1,000 after Sanders’ shocking drop.
The reasons for Sanders’ fall are complex, involving factors like physical limitations, team needs, and the unpredictability of the draft process. However, Sanders still has the potential to prove himself in the NFL, and with the right development, he could eventually fulfill the potential that once had him projected as a top pick.
In the end, Walker’s wager was a lighthearted reminder of the unpredictability that defines the NFL Draft. As Sanders embarks on his professional career, all eyes will be on him as he strives to prove that his fall in the draft was just another obstacle to overcome on the path to greatness.
