The upcoming 2025 NFL Draft is loaded with talent, and the debate around where Shedeur Sanders should be selected is heating up. Bill Simmons in particular thinks that passing on Sanders would add to a history of heartbreak for a franchise accustomed to it.
Bill Simmons Implores Browns To Draft Shedeur Sanders
There are very few franchises more troubled than the Cleveland Browns. From mistakes in the NFL Draft to free agency, the countless errors have resulted in grief for the fans and empathy from the rest of the league. However, one pick can change a team’s status forever.
C.J. Stroud and Jayden Daniels changed their teams’ fortunes in one pick, and Simmons thinks the Browns could potentially do the same with the second overall pick in this year’s draft by taking Sanders.
Simmons took to X to voice his opinion., saying, “There’s been a lot of heartbreak with Cleveland sports these past 60 years, but passing on Sanders at #2 and opting for a Kenny Pickett/injured Deshaun Watson combo would be way up there.”
There’s been a lot of heartbreak with Cleveland sports these past 60 years, but passing on Sanders at #2 and opting for a Kenny Pickett/injured Deshaun Watson combo would be way up there.
— Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) March 16, 2025
Simmons makes a valid point. The Deshaun Watson situation in Cleveland has been an utter failure. Watson has played in just 19 games for Cleveland, throwing for 19 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. While Pickett showed potential at times in Pittsburgh, the former first-round pick saw a quick exit after some poor play in his second year.
Can Sanders Bring Cleveland Back to Prominence?
Expecting Sanders to single-handedly turn around the Browns may be unfair, but can he realistically get them back to the playoffs for the first time since 2023?
His college track record suggests he might. Sanders spent his final two seasons at Colorado, helping revitalize a struggling Buffaloes program. His draft stock soared thanks to his impressive production: 4,134 yards, 37 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions in his final year at Colorado.
Arguably his most impressive stat was the 74.0% completion rate, up 4.7 percentage points from the previous year. With Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter and projected NFL Draft picks Jimmy Horn Jr., LaJohntay Wester, and Will Sheppard, Sanders thrived.
If he heads to Cleveland, Sanders will enjoy a promising receiving corps that features a re-invigorated Jerry Jeudy, an emerging Cedric Tillman, and star tight end David Njoku.
Simmons’ take may be spot-on, but there’s also some bias. As a die-hard New England Patriots fan, he has a vested interest in their draft plans at No. 4. In the latest seven-round 2025 NFL Mock Draft from PFSN’s Jacob Infante, the Patriots selected Travis Hunter; but if Cleveland opts for the star corner instead of a quarterback, it could shake things up.
If the Browns pass on Sanders or Ward, they might be setting themselves up for even more heartbreak.
Always in the spotlight due to his stellar play, Hall of Fame father and coach, and viral celebrations, Sanders looks made for the NFL. Infante had the New York Giants selecting Sanders with the third overall pick while the Browns took Cam Ward out of Miami (FL) at No. 2.