There was no grand conspiracy against Sanders. If you are talented enough, a team will take a shot on you no matter how much baggage you bring to the team. We see it year after year. Sanders didn't bring the talent as a rookie to warrant a high pick and all the potential distractions.

However, former NFL head coach Jay Gruden, who coached the Washington Commanders and is the brother of Super Bowl-winning head coach Jon Gruden, dislikes the players they acquired in the draft, criticizing Derrick Harmon and Kaleb Johnson.

Will Howard, once considered a fringe Day 2 to early Day 3 QB prospect, found himself unselected until the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft — an unforeseen circumstance the Steelers would ultimately alleviate.