It was a surprising move to take two quarterbacks in the draft, so much so that it was even surprising to the team's general manager. GM Andrew Berry said it wasn't the plan to take two passers during the April event, but they felt the talent Sanders had, paired with the importance of his position, made it the right choice for them.

The Browns received multiple evaluations throughout the 2025 NFL Draft, reflecting a strategy combining high-upside selections with key positional needs. One of the most notable picks was quarterback Shedeur Sanders in the fifth round — a value pick that stood out as one of the best across Day 3, according to PFF.