The Cleveland Browns’ surprising selection of Shedeur Sanders in the fifth round has become one of the 2025 NFL Draft’s most bewildering storylines.
Once projected as a top-five talent, Sanders plummeted to pick No. 144 overall, a slide more dramatic than even Aaron Rodgers or Lamar Jackson experienced in their draft years.
As the narrative around Sanders shifted, New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers stepped forward to defend the quarterback many thought would become his teammate.
Nabers took issue with the criticism that derailed Sanders’ draft stock.
“Yeah, he might have some things that he might say on camera or off the field. Whatever it is dealing with that, that don’t have to do with how he plays football,” Nabers said. “You don’t do something like that to somebody like that. Not to a kid that’s been working his whole life. Been told that Deion’s kids were never gonna be as good as him.”
Powerful: Giants star WR Malik Nabers is ANGRY that Browns QB Shedeur Sanders fell in the draft:
“You don’t do something like that to somebody like that. Not to a kid that’s been working his whole life. Been told that Deion’s kids were never gonna be as good as him.”
Nabers is… pic.twitter.com/4tN7VwPuZQ
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) May 1, 2025
Nabers refused to let Sanders’ talent go unrecognized amid the criticism.
While analysts pointed to Sanders’ tendency to take sacks behind Colorado’s struggling offensive line, Nabers highlighted the quarterback’s remarkable 70% completion rate despite constant pressure.
The Giants receiver praised Sanders’ pocket mobility, noting how he regularly escaped multiple defenders before delivering accurate throws downfield.
With Sanders consistently helping his receivers reach the end zone—many scoring 7-8 touchdowns—Nabers sees no justification for doubting his abilities.
What stood out in Nabers’ defense was his emphasis on Sanders’ commitment to spreading the ball effectively, ensuring his receivers “get their numbers”—a quality Nabers clearly values.
This makes the draft slide particularly striking, as Sanders was widely expected to join Nabers in New York when the Giants selected third overall.
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