Sports Illustrated 's Albert Breer detailed multiple instances in which Sanders failed to impress prospective teams. In one meeting at the NFL Scouting Combine, a team questioned him on an interception that he threw while he was at Colorado.

His major falloff in the 2025 NFL draft was not anticipated by many. Predicted as one of the top 10 picks, Sanders didn't get selected until the fifth round. A total of 143 names were called before he was chosen by the Cleveland Browns.

The former NFL tight end, who went to three Pro Bowls during his 14-year career, predicted back in JANUARY that Sanders would fall to the fifth round. The prediction came during an episode of the "Bussin' with the Boys" podcast where he also made a $1,000 bet with co-host Will Compton about where Sanders would fall in the draft.