From Fifth Round to Stardom: How Shedeur Sanders Surprised NFL Teams

Conventional wisdom holds that first-round NFL draft selections should dominate the spotlight, yet Shedeur Sanders, chosen at 144th by the Cleveland Browns, is defying this norm. Remarkably, he ranks third in jersey sales, exceeding many first-round choices, showcasing his immense popularity post-draft. Despite a surprising fifth-round selection, Sanders has leveraged his strong business acumen—built through strategic NIL partnerships—to craft a formidable personal brand. As he embarks on his rookie season, Sanders exemplifies how a late pick can still rapidly ascend to marketability and fan engagement.