Perhaps nobody advocated more for Shedeur Sanders during the 2025 NFL draft than ESPN broadcaster Mel Kiper Jr., and the Cleveland Browns rookie's famous father appreciated the support.

ESPN NFL draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. was criticized again for favoring Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders over others, including the first pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

The Cleveland Browns eventually drafted former Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. However, the Browns did not select Sanders until they and every other NFL franchise passed on him multiple times. Sanders went from being a projected first-round pick to not being selected until No. 144 overall.