Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku and cornerback Denzel Ward are eager for new teammate Shedeur Sanders to silence his skeptics after the Colorado quarterback had a precipitous fall in the 2025 NFL draft. Njoku and Ward both shared messages to Sanders on social media after the Browns picked him in the fifth round:

There are plenty of 2026 NFL mock drafts out. They don't think the Browns will be very good. They also think the Browns go with a quarterback again.

Sanders’ name was called 50 picks after Gabriel. For Sanders, this could be exactly what he needs to start his pro career. “Our message to him … is you have to come in here and work,” said Berry. “You’ve got to compete. That’s the message. Nothing is given.” During his post-draft interview, Sanders was gracious.