Shedeur Sanders secured a victory over fellow rookies Jaxson Dart and Ashton Jeanty following their selection in the 2025 NFL Draft. The Cleveland Browns quarterback, whose surprising fifth-round pick stirred debate, is showing early promise as he prepares for his first season. Before taking the field, the three rookies faced off in an unusual contest hosted by Los Angeles Chargers running back Najee Harris.
Sponsored by RAM Trucks and in collaboration with Overtime, the event took place at a Texas ranch, where Harris devised a series of challenges to test the new players. The highlight was a scavenger hunt involving over 30 hidden trucks spread around the ranch house, with the goal of the first player finding seven trucks taking the lead. Harris, known for his time with the Pittsburgh Steelers, organized the event to foster camaraderie and add a fun competitive element off the field.
Scavenger Hunt Drama Unfolds as Sanders Climbs to Victory
The scavenger hunt began slowly for Shedeur Sanders, who lagged behind Jeanty and Dart early on, with Jeanty finding one truck and Dart two. However, the competition tightened as Sanders and Jeanty both reached five trucks found. Sanders then surged ahead to secure the final two trucks needed to claim the lead. Upon returning the trucks to Harris, Sanders was challenged with a tricky riddle:
“I’m what a mountain dreams to be. The tippy top, the peak, that’s me. You’ll need strong legs and lungs that fight to reach my perch and feel the height. What am I?”
—Najee Harris, Host of the Challenge
Sanders initially struggled with the riddle, returning inside to ponder his answer. Meanwhile, Dart guessed “balcony,” unlocking the next step where players needed to use coordinates to find keys for their trucks. Ashton Jeanty was quick to realize the significance of the coordinates, giving him an advantage in navigating the course. The players raced to capture flags and drive to the finish line, with Jeanty winning the stage and collecting 300 points. However, Dart ultimately secured the top spot with 800 points and earned the first-ever Draft House turnover chain, a symbolic prize celebrating his triumph in the event.
Expert Analysis Foresees Tough Competition for Shedeur Sanders
While Sanders has begun showcasing his competitive spirit off the field, analysts remain cautious about his on-field prospects. ESPN analyst Mike Clay recently shared a sobering projection regarding Sanders’ competition with fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel for the Cleveland Browns’ starting quarterback position. Clay forecasts that Gabriel will accumulate 1,205 passing yards and five touchdowns over five games, slightly edging out Sanders, who is predicted to total 925 passing yards and four touchdowns in four starts.
This forecast follows a draft filled with uncertainty for Sanders, who slipped to the fifth round despite widely publicized expectations. As the Browns’ quarterback race heats up against Kenny Pickett, Joe Flacco, and Gabriel, Sanders has strong motivation to prove critics wrong and secure his role as a key player in the team’s future.
Event Significance and What to Expect Next for NFL Rookies
Najee Harris’ scavenger hunt provided a lighthearted yet challenging environment for the NFL rookies to bond and showcase their competitive edge before the season begins. The event not only highlighted Sanders’ ability to overcome obstacles but also revealed early leadership and problem-solving skills among the participants. With the tough quarterback battle ahead for Cleveland and growing attention on each rookie’s development, moments like this offer fans a glimpse into the personalities and determination driving these new players.
As NFL rookies continue their preparations, competitions off the field like this scavenger hunt can strengthen team dynamics and boost confidence. Meanwhile, the Browns’ quarterback situation remains one to watch, as Sanders aims to translate his off-field wins into on-field success.