NFL draft: Shedeur Sanders pushes back on ESPN’s report about his desired landing spots

Browns rumors have quieted down around Shedeur Sanders but the QB could still go in the top 5

The Cleveland Browns didn’t land their quarterback of the future but did bring in a quarterback from their past on Friday. The return of QB Joe Flacco continues to lower the chances that the Browns will be selecting a quarterback high in the upcoming NFL draft. Most believe that Cleveland was planning to select WR/CB Travis Hunter before the Flacco signing.

With QB Cam Ward expected off the board with the first pick, where QB Shedeur Sanders lands will be a huge story. He could be drafted by the New York Giants if the Browns pass or fall where Cleveland or New York looks to trade back up.

ESPN’s Louis Riddick noted that he believed that Sanders’ “camp” actually wanted him to fall lower in the draft to be selected by a better team:

As things go this time of year, that rumor spread, with many questioning whether Sanders’ group was trying to protect him or if the quarterback was scared to compete.

Speaking to Kay Adams, Sanders not only dispelled the rumor but noted that he doesn’t know Riddick:

At this point, most believe that Sanders will be the second quarterback drafted, but there has been at least one note that Jaxson Dart is ranked ahead of him by multiple teams:

One prediction from the same scout: Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart being selected over Shedeur Sanders. According to the scout, multiple NFL teams have Dart ranked over Sanders and believe he has better physical traits (arm strength, mobility) and more developmental upside.

For now, teams near the top don’t need to worry about Sanders not wanting to be drafted by them, seemingly, but that doesn’t mean those teams will write his name on a card and turn it in.