The Cleveland Browns’ war room moment after drafting Shedeur Sanders in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft has taken center stage — not because of wild celebrations, but because of the complete opposite. Fans and analysts alike were left scratching their heads after watching ESPN’s footage of Kevin Stefanski and Andrew Berry giving muted golf claps and wearing blank expressions. It was as if they were picking up a rental car instead of a quarterback with sky-high potential.

So what’s the story behind this subdued reaction? And what does it say about the internal dynamics of one of the most scrutinized front offices in the league? The Browns’ decision to take Sanders, the son of NFL legend Deion Sanders, has already stirred up conversations about draft strategy, locker room chemistry, and even ownership influence. And now, with the war room footage adding fuel to the fire, the conversation has only gotten more intense.

In this deep dive, we’ll take a closer look at what went down in the Browns’ draft room, what the muted reaction might mean, and how this pick fits into Cleveland’s broader quarterback plans moving forward. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just following the draft drama, this is one moment you’ll want to understand.

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Table of Contents

• Shedeur Sanders: A Quick Look at the QB
• What the Browns War Room Showed (Or Didn’t)
• Why Was the Reaction So Muted?
• What This Means for the QB Battle in Cleveland
• Fan Reactions and Online Buzz
• Frequently Asked Questions

Shedeur Sanders: A Quick Look at the QB

Before we dive into the Browns' draft room drama, let’s get to know the young man at the center of it all. Shedeur Sanders, son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, has been in the spotlight since he first stepped onto a football field.

Shedeur played three seasons at Colorado, where he earned back-to-back First Team All-Big 12 honors and was known for his strong arm and sharp decision-making. His dad’s coaching stint at Jackson State and later Colorado only added to the hype around him, making his NFL journey one of the most watched in recent draft history.

What the Browns War Room Showed (Or Didn’t)

The moment the Cleveland Browns officially selected Shedeur Sanders in the fifth round, ESPN cut to their war room. The footage? Not exactly what fans were expecting.

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Kevin Stefanski, the head coach, gave a slight nod and a soft clap. General Manager Andrew Berry looked more like he was waiting for his coffee to brew than celebrating a draft pick. There was no jumping, no high-fives, no audible excitement. It was, in a word, underwhelming.

This isn’t the first time a draft pick had a muted reaction, but in this case, it stood out. Why? Because of who they were drafting. Sanders had been one of the most talked-about prospects in the pre-draft process. His pedigree, his potential, and the fact that he was a quarterback — a position that typically gets the war room going — made the silence all the more noticeable.

Why Was the Reaction So Muted?

So, what gives? Why didn’t the Browns’ brass seem more excited about adding a quarterback with NFL bloodlines and a growing fanbase? There are a few theories making the rounds:

• Ownership Influence: Some fans are speculating that owner Jimmy Haslam was the driving force behind the pick. If true, it might explain the subdued response from Stefanski and Berry.
• Internal Skepticism: The Browns might have drafted Sanders more as a developmental project than a future starter. That could mean the coaching staff and GM aren’t sold on him yet.
• Draft Day Fatigue: By the fifth round, the adrenaline of the earlier picks might have worn off. It’s possible the team was just focused on the next move rather than celebrating a mid-round selection.

Of course, none of these are confirmed, but the lack of visible excitement has opened the door for a lot of second-guessing. In a league where perception often becomes reality, body language matters — especially on live TV.

What This Means for the QB Battle in Cleveland

Let’s not forget the bigger picture: the Browns’ quarterback situation is packed. Shedeur Sanders is now part of a group that includes Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, and Dillon Gabriel.

So, what does that mean for his chances of making the roster — or even getting a shot at the starting job?

• Competition Is Fierce: Flacco is the current starter, but he’s also on the back end of his career. Pickett, the former first-round pick, is still looking to prove he belongs. Gabriel brings mobility and youth. And now, Sanders adds name value and potential.
• 2025 Training Camp Is Key: For Sanders, the real test starts now. He’ll need to show he can handle the playbook, earn the coaching staff’s trust, and compete with veterans and established young talent.
• Long-Term Potential: Even if he doesn’t start right away, Sanders could be the future. The Browns might be planning for the long haul, especially with Flacco’s contract expiring after the 2025 season.

Whether or not the muted war room moment was a sign of internal uncertainty, one thing’s clear: Shedeur Sanders is now officially a Cleveland Brown, and the QB battle is officially heating up.

Fan Reactions and Online Buzz

As soon as the footage hit social media, fans started reacting — and not all of it was positive.

On X (formerly Twitter), one fan wrote, “If that’s the reaction to drafting a QB in Round 5, I’d hate to see how they react when they lose a game.” Another said, “Berry and Stefanski looked like they just got a flat tire. Not a QB pick.”

Still, not everyone was down. Some fans were excited to see a high-profile name joining the team. “Sanders has the arm and the pedigree. Let him learn and grow,” one supporter tweeted.

The debate is still ongoing, but one thing’s for sure: the Browns’ war room reaction will go down as one of the more memorable — and puzzling — moments of the 2025 NFL Draft.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the Browns draft Shedeur Sanders?

The Browns took Shedeur Sanders in the fifth round, likely to add depth to the quarterback room and give themselves a young, developmental option with upside. His football IQ, pedigree, and arm talent were all factors in the decision.

Did Kevin Stefanski and Andrew Berry seem excited about the pick?

Not really. Footage of the war room showed a very subdued reaction — light claps and blank expressions — which has led to speculation about the level of enthusiasm internally for the selection.

What does this mean for the Browns’ quarterback situation?

It means it’s about to get even more competitive. Cleveland now has four quarterbacks in the mix: Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel, and Shedeur Sanders. Whoever wins the starting job will have to earn it in training camp and the preseason.

Learn more about the 2025 NFL Draft and follow the latest developments in Cleveland’s quarterback race. For more updates on the Browns and their roster moves, check out our site and stay in the loop as the 2025 season unfolds.