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Fox News
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Fox News
Deion Sanders defends ESPN analyst who was mocked for outrage over Shedeur Sanders' draft slide
The controversial draft slide of quarterback Shedeur Sanders last month sparked national debate that included a harsh reaction from ESPN's lead draft analyst, Mel Kiper Jr. Now, Kiper has a supporter in Sanders' father and college coach, Deion Sanders. Clips of Kiper bashing NFL teams for passing on Shedeur throughout the three-day event were mocked on social media, and the pundit repeatedly praised the quarterback's talent and value. "I think it's disgusting. I don't understand what the heck's going on with this. ... I don't see, outside of [not having] the rocket arm, 4.6 speed … what is [Shedeur Sanders] lacking? Somebody's gonna have to explain that one to me," Kiper exclaimed on air after Sanders fell out of the second round. Deion praised Kiper. "But I Love u my man! You stood on the desk with great balance 10 toes down and said what u doggone said & didn't flinch. You knew what time it was my man & we're blessed to be right where God wanted us to be. 'With OPPORTUNITY' they forgot I was in the tv/entertainment business for 20 years before coaching," Sanders wrote in an X post sharing one of Kiper's posts. Kiper's post was in response to a tweet that mentioned criticism of the analyst for "overshadowing" the moment when No. 1 overall pick quarterback Cam Ward was selected. The Tuesday before the draft, NFL Network released a summary of the top 18 prospects in this year's class. Sanders' section included comments from an anonymous assistant coach who said Sanders was "the worst formal interview I've ever been in in my life. He's so entitled. He takes unnecessary sacks. He never plays on time. He has horrible body language. He blames teammates. … But the biggest thing is, he's not that good." An anonymous longtime executive added, "It didn't go great in our interview. He wants to dictate what he's going to do and what's best for him. He makes you feel small." Throughout the draft, Kiper's irritation and affection for Sanders became one of the most discussed topics on social media. NBC-owned Pro Football Talk even addressed Kiper's analysis on X. Sanders was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the fifth round with the 144th overall pick after one of the most unprecedented draft slides of a top quarterback prospect in NFL history. Follow Fox News Digital's sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Shedeur Sanders' NFL Draft grade leaked following slide to Browns, per report
The 2025 NFL Draft ended with a bang. One climactic three-day period for Shedeur Sanders was just a preview of things to come. In the beginning, 'Grown' was projected to be a top-10 pick. What transpired was something no one could have predicted. Sanders was taken in the fifth round by the Cleveland Browns. The public, as well as the media, has been abuzz with thoughts on why he took a massive slide. Many have said it's his dad, Deion Sanders, who was outspoken throughout the entire process. Others have said it was about his attitude. Let's all be real here, it's about the understanding of the shield. The way this league is constructed, you won't just dictate how you'll play in the league. He could've had no issues being a first round pick. The problem is the five other QBs that were considered better than him. Advertisement "A team source said the Browns believed many teams had a Day 2 grade on Sanders, according to ESPN's Daniel Oyefusi. "Another team source described being surprised as Sanders fell into Day 3 -- but acknowledged potential high picks slide to later rounds every year, though not as publicized as his. "The real shock for draft watchers came in the third round with the team's selection of Gabriel over Sanders. Gabriel, a six-year player in college who was named Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year, was viewed as a possible Day 3 option, according to ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr., but he was a player (Andrew) Berry and (Kevin) Stefanski said they coveted after several interactions with him during the draft cycle." The purpose of the slide lets you know that no matter how great you are, you're not bigger than the league. Throughout his time at Colorado, there's been discussions of the way he conducts himself and now it came back to haunt him. However, now is the time for Sanders to lock in and show why he deserves some respect. Advertisement Related: Shedeur Sanders' rep turns heads after Cleveland media disrespects 'Grown' Who cares if he was drafted late. He even said draft position didn't matter to him. All this means is that he no longer has that first round pressure to produce. Regardless of the reason he was drafted for a reason, there is a true belief he can beat out fellow rookie, Dillon Gabriel, who was drafted two rounds earlier than Sanders. Cleveland's QB room leaves much to be desired with Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Gabriel, and Sanders. Flacco is more than likely the starter giving Sanders the opportunity to learn while he understands the system. This gives Shedeur the opportunity to understand the playbook and the nuances of the National Football League. While there was chatter of Sanders wanting to be a day-one starter as a rookie, having Flacco's experience is a positive for his advancement. Related: Shedeur Sanders contract and signing bonus projections with Cleveland Browns Stefanski is the perfect coach for the job. Let's not forget, he won Coach of the Year two out of his first five seasons as the Browns head coach. His ability to navigate through the yearly QB carousel in Cleveland says a lot of him. Stefanski is a sort of QB whisperer in his own right. He won his second COTY while using three different signal-callers and managed to end with an 11-5 record, securing a Wild Card berth. Advertisement Related: Deion Sanders found out the NFL kept receipts on Shedeur as a first-rounder All the talks of the drama will be a mute point once the pads come on. The message was received and now the focus has to be on the next chapter for Sanders. Many that think his dad will be present in all aspects need to get a grip. He has to coach his own team. Now, Sundays may be a different story but we'll cross that bridge when (and if) it comes. With all the narrative surrounding the draft and where Sanders was taken, we've forgotten that ball doesn't lie. We all know nothing about it will be easy, but Shedeur has the mentality to rise above it all and show why he was heavily touted to begin with.
USA Today
25-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
How to watch Ohio State players in the 2025 NFL draft Friday: Time, TV channel, streaming
How to watch Ohio State players in the 2025 NFL draft Friday: Time, TV channel, streaming It was a banner day for the Ohio State football program on Thursday. There's always a lot of Ohio State players littered throughout the NFL draft, but the Buckeyes led all programs with four players being selected on Day 1 of the draft. Emeka Egbuka (No. 19) went to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Donovan Jackson (No. 24) was selected by the Minnesota Vikings, Tyleik Williams (No. 28) heard his name called by the Detroit Lions, and Josh Simmons (No. 32) closed the night by being picked by the Kansas City Chiefs. Now it's time for rounds two and three on Day 2 of the draft, when we expect more Ohio State Buckeyes to see their names scroll across the bottom of the screen. If you were up to the task of watching on Thursday night, we're guessing that you are looking to rinse and repeat the appointment for Friday night as we head into the weekend. If so, we have everything you need to know to tune in and watch the next two rounds of the draft. Guys like TreVeyon Henderson, Quinshon Judkins, and J.T. Tuimoloau are prime candidates to go off the board on Friday, but there's more than likely going to be more Scarlet and Gray coming through the screen. Here's everything you need to know to find and watch, listen to, or stream rounds two and three of the 2025 NFL draft. What channel is the NFL draft on Friday? How to watch, stream TV channel: ESPN | ABC | NFL Network ESPN | ABC | NFL Network Streaming options: ESPN app | ESPN+ | Fubo (Free Trial) It's the same deal as Thursday night. You can watch or stream on several channels and outlets, so pick your favorite and settle in to see if you can predict what's going to happen with some of the Ohio State players still out there. What time does the NFL draft start Friday? Date: Thursday, April 24 Thursday, April 24 Time: 7 p.m. ET 7 p.m. ET Location: Lambeau Field (Green Bay, Wisconsin) Same place but an hour earlier because there are more selections being made. You already made an appointment for last night, and you have to admit the scene was pretty remarkable in and around one of the most iconic stadiums and settings in the sport. Why not try to replicate the party atmosphere on Friday? Who is calling the shots for the NFL draft on each platform? ESPN: Mike Greenberg (host), Mel Kiper Jr. (NFL draft analyst), Booger McFarland (analyst), Louis Riddick (analyst), Adam Schefter (insider) and Molly McGrath (reporter) Mike Greenberg (host), Mel Kiper Jr. (NFL draft analyst), Booger McFarland (analyst), Louis Riddick (analyst), Adam Schefter (insider) and Molly McGrath (reporter) ABC: Rece Davis (host), Kirk Herbstreit (analyst), Heisman Trophy winner Desmond Howard (analyst), Field Yates (NFL draft analyst), former Alabama football coach Nick Saban (analyst), Pete Thamel (insider) and Laura Rutledge (reporter) Rece Davis (host), Kirk Herbstreit (analyst), Heisman Trophy winner Desmond Howard (analyst), Field Yates (NFL draft analyst), former Alabama football coach Nick Saban (analyst), Pete Thamel (insider) and Laura Rutledge (reporter) NFL Network: Rich Eisen (host), Daniel Jeremiah (NFL draft analyst), Charles Davis (analyst), Joel Klatt (analyst), Pro Football Hall of Famer Kurt Warner (analyst), Ian Rapoport (insider) and Jamie Erdahl (reporter) Yep, same people on the same channels, at the same time. We like the ESPN College GameDay crew on ABC because you get a little more college football insight. Maybe that's your sweet spot too? NFL Draft 2025 draft picks tracker: first round results NFL Draft 2025 draft pick big board: top available prospects, players Here are the top players available heading into Day 2 of the 2025 NFL Draft, according to USA Today: 2025 NFL Draft order: second, third rounds 2025 NFL Draft order, Round 2 2024 NFL Draft order, Round 3 Contact/Follow us @BuckeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes and opinion. Follow Phil Harrison on X.
USA Today
24-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
How to watch Ohio State players get selected in the 2025 NFL draft this weekend
How to watch Ohio State players get selected in the 2025 NFL draft this weekend Draft Day is finally here ⭐️ Dreams ➡️ Reality 📺: 2025 #NFLDraft – Tonight 8pm ET on NFLN/ESPN/ABC 📱: Stream on @NFLPlus — Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) April 24, 2025 Thursday night is a moment almost every football fan has set aside to order up some pizzas and drink copious amounts of their favorite beverage. It's the night the NFL draft kicks off, with the first round taking place on Thursday night, rounds two through four happening on Friday, and the final three rounds coming to a television or streaming device near you on Saturday. For Ohio State fans, there will be plenty to watch. Most believe there will be fifteen players selected in the the 2025 NFL draft, and that means there will be plenty of players you know and love hearing their name called and seeing the selection scroll across the bottom of whatever channel you are watching to soak it all in. Speaking of that, if you landed here, there's a better than good chance you are looking for information on watching this year's version of the NFL draft, live from Green Bay, Wisconsin. If so, we've got all of the information you need to know to sink down into a comfortable spot and let your brain turn off and digest some drama for the weekend. What channel is the NFL draft on Thursday? How to watch, stream TV channel: ESPN | ABC | NFL Network ESPN | ABC | NFL Network Streaming options: ESPN app | ESPN+ | Fubo (Free Trial) As with any NFL draft, there are plenty of options to watch the events unfold and NFL commissioner Roger Goodell go into hug mode. You can turn on network television, cable television, or stream until your heart is content across multiple options. There's simply no excuse for not finding a way to see the drama unfold. What time does the NFL draft start Thursday? Date: Thursday, April 24 Thursday, April 24 Time: 8 p.m. ET 8 p.m. ET Location: Lambeau Field (Green Bay, Wisconsin) It's a pretty iconic setting for this year's NFL draft. Titletown, or Green Bay as outsiders call it, has a lot of history and lore to it, and what better way to kick things off than having the annual spectacle take place in and around Lambeau Field. It's sure to make for some great video, pictures, and other eye candy so be ready to soak it all in. Who is calling the shots for the NFL draft on each platform? ESPN: Mike Greenberg (host), Mel Kiper Jr. (NFL draft analyst), Booger McFarland (analyst), Louis Riddick (analyst), Adam Schefter (insider) and Molly McGrath (reporter) Mike Greenberg (host), Mel Kiper Jr. (NFL draft analyst), Booger McFarland (analyst), Louis Riddick (analyst), Adam Schefter (insider) and Molly McGrath (reporter) ABC: Rece Davis (host), Kirk Herbstreit (analyst), Heisman Trophy winner Desmond Howard (analyst), Field Yates (NFL draft analyst), former Alabama football coach Nick Saban (analyst), Pete Thamel (insider) and Laura Rutledge (reporter) Rece Davis (host), Kirk Herbstreit (analyst), Heisman Trophy winner Desmond Howard (analyst), Field Yates (NFL draft analyst), former Alabama football coach Nick Saban (analyst), Pete Thamel (insider) and Laura Rutledge (reporter) NFL Network: Rich Eisen (host), Daniel Jeremiah (NFL draft analyst), Charles Davis (analyst), Joel Klatt (analyst), Pro Football Hall of Famer Kurt Warner (analyst), Ian Rapoport (insider) and Jamie Erdahl (reporter) If you are like us, this may dictate which channel or platform you decide to watch on. The video and selections will all be the same, it just boils down to what analyst, voice, and insightful information you prefer. Our suggestion is to go with the college football slant (duh), and tune into ABC. 2025 NFL Draft first-round order The Tennessee Titans are already on the clock. Here's how the first round shakes out, so you can follow your favorite NFL team as the selections are made. Contact/Follow us @BuckeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes and opinion. Follow Phil Harrison on X.
