Steelers' AFC North Rival Finally Drafts Shedeur Sanders

When the NFL Draft began, the Pittsburgh Steelers were one of the teams analysts had eyes on to take a quarterback as early as Round 1. More specifically, they were a prime candidate in the Shedeur Sanders sweepstakes. 

Contrasting stories muddled the team's verdict on him during the pre-draft process. Sanders himself believed the interactions went well while various sources reported the organization souring on him. 

The Steelers remained desperate for a quarterback with only Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson on the roster. However, that need would not be addressed in Round 1 as the Steelers passed on Shedeur Sanders at No. 21 overall. 

Sanders' widely popularized slide took over all three days of draft coverage as multiple teams, including the Steelers refused to take him on multiple occasions. But a Steelers' staunch rival finally ended the slide.

The Cleveland Browns picked Sanders in the fifth round, adding yet another quarterback to a crowded play caller room. Cleveland took Sanders after selecting Dillon Gabriel in Round 3 Friday night. 

Early in the draft process, some predicted Sanders going as high as No. 2 overall where the Browns had their first pick. Instead, they put together over half their draft class before finally coming back around to the controversial quarterback. 

The Steelers, now officially out on Sanders, still have yet to make an expected addition to their underwhelming quarterback crop. Perhaps that comes in the form of a late-round waiver or they finally reach terms with Aaron Rodgers. 

What is certain is that the Steelers drew a line in the sand with Sanders. They will now watch and see if he makes them regret their decision while he competes through the crowded depth chart of the rival Browns.