The Colorado Buffaloes concluded a successful 2024 season with a 9-4 record, showcasing standout talents in quarterback Shedeur Sanders and two-way sensation Travis Hunter. Both players entered the NFL after being drafted in 2025, with Hunter selected second overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars and Sanders going to the Cleveland Browns at the 144th pick in the fifth round.

In exciting news, Travis Hunter will be wearing the number 12 for the Jaguars, a nod to his collegiate days at Colorado where the number was retired during the spring game. Meanwhile, Shedeur Sanders will also switch to number 12 for the Browns after being assigned number 2 in college—his previous number is already in use by new Browns wide receiver DeAndre Carter. This number change symbolizes their transition from college stars to professional players, as they seek to build their own legacies in the NFL.

The 2025 NFL draft has sparked significant conversation around Shedeur Sanders, who unexpectedly fell to the fifth round, selected 144th overall by the Cleveland Browns. Expectations had pegged him as a potential first- or second-round pick prior to the draft. Meanwhile, his brother Shilo Sanders went undrafted but has signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as a free agent. Analysts have speculated on factors influencing Shedeur's draft position, including a provocative theory from Andrew Hawkins suggesting a personality swap between the brothers could have altered their fortunes. Shedeur now faces stiff competition for the quarterback position, including established players like Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett, while Shilo aims to secure a spot on the Buccaneers' roster.

Both athletes are noted for their talent, and fans will be keeping a close eye on their performances during training camp and preseason games. With Shedeur's surprising drop, speculation continues about possible trades as the Browns evaluate their quarterback situation.

The Cleveland Browns are creating a buzz this offseason with their quarterback situation, particularly after drafting Shedeur Sanders in the fifth round. Despite his potential, Sanders' selection came after Dillon Gabriel was picked in the third round, indicating a clear hierarchy among the five QBs now on the roster, which includes veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett alongside Deshaun Watson.

ESPN's reports have stirred speculation about potential trades involving the Browns' quarterbacks, suggesting Cleveland might leverage their depth for future picks if injuries arise elsewhere in the league. However, the legitimacy of a Sanders trade remains questionable given that he was overlooked multiple times in the draft. Could there be a market for him, or is it premature to even consider such moves?

Shedeur Sanders, the Cleveland Browns' fifth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, is facing significant pressure as he embarks on his rookie season. Rams defensive back Quentin Lake, who understands this journey firsthand, advises Sanders to 'let your play show.' Lake, a sixth-round pick in 2022, took a few years to find his stride but ultimately succeeded with a breakout season in 2024. He believes Sanders has consistently proven his resilience and talent, overcoming doubts throughout his college career.

Lake's message emphasizes that the best way for Sanders to silence critics is by demonstrating his skills on the field. With the starting quarterback position at stake, all eyes will be on how the young player performs under pressure, showcasing the growth he has achieved during his collegiate years.

The 2025 NFL Draft revealed significant insights into team-building philosophies, particularly regarding quarterback evaluations. Despite the class being perceived as weak, franchises prioritized physical traits over polish, leading to a notable drop in quarterbacks selected early. Shedeur Sanders fell to the fifth round due to concerns over his lack of elite traits. The draft strategy also highlighted the importance of addressing team needs, reinforcing the trend of teams opting for players who can fill immediate gaps rather than simply relying on best-player-available strategies.

The resurgence of run-heavy offenses was highlighted by the success of teams like the Philadelphia Eagles, who prioritized rushing attacks alongside a balanced passing game. With dual-threat quarterbacks like Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen driving rushing efficiencies, defenses are challenged to adapt without compromising their pass coverage. This trend continued into the draft, as teams focused on adding strong run defenders, indicating a strategic pivot in roster construction. Franchises now appear to recognize the value of a dynamic passing game, emphasizing the need for multiple receiving threats, as demonstrated by teams like the Jacksonville Jaguars and Chicago Bears in their draft selections.