Kenny Pickett

Colorado head coach Deion Sanders, left, talks with quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) during a timeout in the second half of an NCAA college football game against Central Florida, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack, File)

Deciphering the reasons behind Shedeur Sanders’ stunning free fall in the NFL draft

It’s not often that the 144th overall pick is the biggest story of the NFL draft. In a three-day spectacle of cringe that will live in football lore for a long time, University of Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders fell from a potential top-five overall selection on Thursday to the fifth round on
 
Oregon defensive lineman Derrick Harmon runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy, File)

‘These guys have Steelers DNA.’ Pittsburgh leans into physicality during the NFL draft

 
Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders takes part in passing drills during Colorado's NFL football pro day Friday, April 4, 2025, in Boulder, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)

Shedeur Sanders will be part of the competition for Browns’ QB spot despite drop in NFL draft

 
A screen shows Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders after being chosen by the Cleveland Browns with the 144th overall pick during the third day of the NFL football draft, Saturday, April 26, 2025, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

Shedeur Sanders’ long wait ends when Browns take him in the 5th round of the NFL draft

 
Shedeur Sanders looks on at his jersey retirement ceremony during Colorado's NCAA college football spring game, Saturday, April 19, 2025, in Boulder, Colo. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)

3 teams say they had first-round grade on QB Shedeur Sanders, AP sources say

 

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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) throws the ball in the second half of an NFL football game against the New York Giants in Atlanta, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

Penix and the Falcons at Daniels and the Commanders in prime-time meeting of 1st-round rookie QBs

 

NFL Injury Report

 

NFL Injury Report

 
Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) throws a pass during the first half an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

Pro Picks: Chargers over Patriots is the best bet and Broncos and Vikings will pull off upsets

 
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) running with the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

Eagles QB Jalen Hurts is in the NFL’s concussion protocol. His status for Sunday is uncertain

 
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) throws the ball in the second half of an NFL football game against the New York Giants in Atlanta, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

On Football: Falcons and Buccaneers flip spots atop the NFC South and playoff races tighten up

 
Washington Commanders wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus (14) celebrating his touchdown with Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) and others during the second half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

Jayden Daniels throws for 5 TDs as the Commanders end the Eagles’ winning streak at 10

 
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) runs with the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Jalen Hurts leaves with a concussion as the Eagles’ winning streak ends at 10

 
FILE - Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) scrambles out of the pocket with Arizona Cardinals cornerback Kei'Trel Clark (13) defending during the first half of an NFL football game in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023. The Pittsburgh Steelers are trading Pickett to the Philadelphia Eagles a person with knowledge of the agreement told The Associated Press on Friday, March 15, 2024. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the deal had not been announced. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)

Eagles QB Kenny Pickett mum on moving on from Steelers, ready for ‘good reset’ as backup in Philly

 
FILE - Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) scrambles out of the pocket with Arizona Cardinals cornerback Kei'Trel Clark (13) defending during the first half of an NFL football game in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023. The Pittsburgh Steelers are trading Pickett to the Philadelphia Eagles a person with knowledge of the agreement told The Associated Press on Friday, March 15, 2024. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the deal had not been announced. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)

Steelers trade Kenny Pickett to the Eagles after signing Russell Wilson, sources tell the AP

 

Steelers president Art Rooney II believes in Mike Tomlin, but adds ‘it’s time to get some wins’

 
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin holds his season-ending meeting with reporters at the NFL football team's practice facility in Pittsburgh, Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024. (AP Photo/Gene Puskar)

Mike Tomlin remains ‘on go’ for the Steelers through 2024, and likely beyond

 
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin answers questions during a news conference after losing to the Buffalo Bills in an NFL wild-card playoff football game, Monday, Jan. 15, 2024, in Buffalo, N.Y. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)

Mike Tomlin and the Steelers are stuck in NFL purgatory. There appears to be no quick way out

 
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph autographs a baby's jersey after an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023, in Seattle. The Steelers won 30-23. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Mason Rudolph’s unlikely renaissance has led the backup QB and the Steelers to Buffalo

 
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph throws a pass against the Baltimore Ravens during the first half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024 in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

Steelers are sticking with QB Mason Rudolph’s ‘hot hand’ for their playoff trip to Buffalo

 
Baltimore Ravens tight end Charlie Kolar (88) catches a touchdown pass against the Miami Dolphins during the second half of an NFL football game in Baltimore, Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

With Huntley at QB, the Ravens will try to get even for their loss to Steelers earlier this season

 
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph plays against the Seattle Seahawks In the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

The Steelers’ pursuit of a playoff berth in the present has led to questions about the future

 
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett, left, and Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow watch warmups together before the start of an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Steelers QB Pickett denies speculation he told coaching staff he wouldn’t be No. 2 behind Rudolph

 
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) leaves the field after beating the Seattle Seahawks in an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023, in Seattle. The Steelers won 30-23. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Steelers sticking with Mason Rudolph at QB against the Ravens even with Kenny Pickett available

 
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) celebrates Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens scoring a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Major playoff implications for pair of 8-7 teams as Seahawks play host to Steelers

 
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) passes during the second half of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Steelers will turn to Mason Rudolph once again if Kenny Pickett’s right ankle can’t go vs. Seattle

 
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) waves as he walks off the field after an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023, in Pittsburgh. The Steelers won 34-11. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Mason Rudolph’s reward for Steelers’ win over the Bengals should be another start in Seattle

 
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) celebrates Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens scoring a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Steelers end 3-game skid, beat Bengals 34-11 behind Mason Rudolph

 
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) and Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) and Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Allen Robinson II (11) celebrate Pickens scoring a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Rudolph hits Pickens for 2 long touchdowns, Steelers end 3-game skid with 34-11 win over Bengals

 
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph throws during warmups before an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Steelers LB Myles Jack active for first time since being lured out of retirement. Rudolph starts

 
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Jake Browning (6) warms up before an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)

Jake Browning and the surging Bengals head to Pittsburgh to face the reeling Steelers

 
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Jake Browning (6) throws a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Browning, Bengals look to keep the momentum going while reeling Steelers turn to Rudolph

 
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph throws a pass during the second half of the team's NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts in Indianapolis on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023. The Colts won 30-13. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

Mason Rudolph’s story of perseverance takes a turn as the Steelers put their season in his hands

 
Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin meets with reporters following the team's 30-13 loss ton the Indianapolis Colts in an NFL football game Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Steelers’ late-season slide hasn’t shaken the confidence of coach Mike Tomlin

 
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph throws a pass during the second half of the team's NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts in Indianapolis on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023. The Colts won 30-13. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

Steelers turning to Mason Rudolph at QB in hopes of giving sputtering offense a needed spark

 
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