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In a recent commentary, sports analyst Skip Bayless made a provocative statement regarding NFL teams’ decisions after Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders showcased his talent in an impressive preseason debut on Friday night. Bayless criticized the teams that let the former Colorado Buffaloes star slip to the fifth round of the draft, ultimately landing with the Browns.
Despite trading down in the first round to select defensive tackle Mason Graham and previously drafting Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel in the third round, Cleveland made the bold choice to pick Sanders.
During his remarks, Bayless stated, "Tonight, Shedeur Sanders exposed the NFL for what it is—a collection of petty fools and, in some cases, racially insensitive fools, particularly those who have a dislike for Deion Sanders." He was referring to the 143 teams that had the opportunity to draft Sanders before the Browns finally selected him at pick 144.
While Bayless didn’t provide specifics about how Sanders’ performance reflected poorly on the league, he expressed his unwavering support for the quarterback throughout the process.
Sanders’ unexpected drop to the fifth round sparked significant debate, with Bayless labeling it "the biggest disgrace in NFL history." He suggested that the league’s decision to overlook Sanders was a misguided attempt to "teach him a lesson" regarding his interview style and reputation as the highest-paid NIL college player ever.
As the Browns prepare for the upcoming season, Sanders is competing for a spot on the roster, especially with Deshaun Watson currently on injured reserve. His preseason performance against the Carolina Panthers was promising, as he threw for two touchdowns and accumulated 138 passing yards, giving him a strong start in his NFL career.
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Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.
