Shedeur Sanders stood on the visiting sideline as the Baltimore Ravens kicked off against the Cleveland Browns in Week 2.But if the Ravens had their way in the 2025 NFL Draft, he would instead have been lining up with them, staring across at Joe Flacco, Myles Garrett & Co.Sanders was on the visiting sideline against the Ravens on SundayGetty According to a new report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Baltimore were planning to take Sanders in the fifth round, with the No. 141 overall pick.However the rookie quarterback, son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, vetoed the move.The former Colorado Buffaloes star, who was tipped as a first-round talent for much of his final year in college before an all-time draft slide, was eventually taken off the board a few picks later, at 144th overall by the Browns.Why did Shedeur turn down Baltimore?Schefter reports that Sanders ended up in Cleveland because he ‘let it be known’ to the Ravens that he didn’t want to be on a roster with Lamar Jackson.The rookie believed that if he went to Baltimore, he wouldn’t have a chance to play anytime soon, because the two-time MVP wasn’t going to be losing his starting job in John Harbaugh’s offense.Therefore, the message conveyed to the Ravens was that Sanders didn’t want to be drafted and preferred to end up in a place where he might have a better chance to play.Baltimore instead selected offensive lineman Carson Vinson with the 141st pick.Did Sanders’ draft plan backfire?While Shedeur was right in thinking he wouldn’t get a shot as the starter on the Ravens, he’s also struggled to make an early impact in Cleveland.The 23-year-old was locked in a high-profile battle with Flacco and fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel for much of the summer over the starting role, and has started the year as third-string.Sanders is yet to see the field in the regular season, and Shannon Sharpe believes he’s being ‘sabotaged’.Sanders wanted to start in his rookie year, but has struggled with the BrownsGettyShedeur didn’t want to be drafted by the Ravens as he couldn’t challenge JacksonGettyHe now faces another blow, with Deshaun Watson’s imminent injury return likely to cause more headaches for the Browns.Former NFL quarterback slams Sanders over Ravens decisionFollowing ESPN’s report about Sanders turning down Baltimore, Alex Smith, who played 16 seasons at quarterback, described the decision as ‘incredibly short-sighted’.“I think this is insane, if this is true, I think this is crazy,” the three-time Pro Bowler began on Sunday NFL Countdown.“At this point you’re in the fifth round. I understand you had higher hopes, but you’ve dropped to the fifth round and you’re thinking about being a starting quarterback the next year?“I think this is incredibly short-sighted. If you’re in this situation, you want to go to an organization that is going to develop you. The Baltimore Ravens are the model of stability in the NFL… a track record of developing quarterbacks.Smith, a former NFL QB, was stunned by Sanders’ decision to turn down the RavensGetty Images - GettySmith described Sanders’ Ravens dodge as ‘short-sighted’ and ‘insane’ESPN NFL Countdown“Instead, you choose the Cleveland Browns, because you think you have a chance to start the next year?“Let me remind you — the Cleveland Browns are on the opposite end of the spectrum when it comes to stability.“This makes zero sense, you want to go to a good organization where you can develop and reach your potential.”While the 2025 NFL season is only two weeks old, plenty of fans will share Smith’s view, that Sanders was ‘insane’ to turn down the Ravens.Sanders could come to regret picking the Browns over the RavensGettyBut only time will tell if the rookie made the correct decision.Stay up to date with the latest from the NFL across all platforms – follow our dedicated talkSPORT USA Facebook page and subscribe to our talkSPORT USA YouTube channel for all the offseason news, interviews and more.