Pete Carroll is impressed with Shedeur Sanders and how he’s handled all the attention thrown his way. The highly rated college quarterback is preparing to make his first career NFL start on Sunday against Carroll and the Las Vegas Raiders.“He’s got a really good outlook on the world and how he deals with all the stressors and all the things that comes his way,” Carroll said of the Cleveland Browns quarterback.Carroll’s comments have some people wondering why he and the Raiders didn’t go after him in April’s NFL Draft.“Then why didn’t you draft him? Of course, you couldn’t offend your boy Geno,” said one person.“Should have drafted him then,” added another.“And passed on him for 5 rounds,” another fan responded.The Raiders had countless opportunities to draft Sanders, who was among the highest-rated quarterbacks heading into the draft alongside Cam Ward. Ward wound up going first overall to the Tennessee Titans. The Raiders went with Ashton Jeanty with their first-round pick at number six. The Cleveland Browns eventually selected Sanders in round five. Carroll, meanwhile, previously had Smith as his starter when he was the Seattle Seahawks head coachWhile many questioned why Carroll passed on someone he had praised, others took his comments as gamesmanship.vern shumway @VernShyLINK@JesseSBSN Carroll just saying the things he know how the media game is played.Erik Vance @PrayOrDieLINK@JesseSBSN He said he liked him but never said anything about his football 🏈 abilities.9999 @kn804132LINK@JesseSBSN Not one word about his football talent 😂. Coach was trying to be kind.Carroll has been around long enough to know how to speak to the media and build somebody up without creating any bulletin board material for the opposition. The Raiders are riding a four-game losing streak into this game, while the Browns have lost three in a row.Carroll staying loyal to SmithWhile Geno Smith has struggled to perform as the Raiders’ starter, Carroll is still showing confidence in him.“He’ll come through for us,” Carroll said on Tuesday.In their 33-16 loss to the Cowboys, Smith threw for 238 yards, with a touchdown and one interception. His coach, however, defended him, saying he played well and seemed to put the offensive struggles on a depleted offensive line. The Raiders were without two regulars on the O-line with Kolton Miller and Jackson Powers-Johnson injured. Carroll has faced criticism for putting too much on Geno Smith's plate this season.Smith took a ton of heat and was sacked four times. The Raiders are 2-8 and seemingly making little to no progress from last season. For a long time, Carroll has defended Smith, but if he continues his struggles, Carroll may have to make a tough decision and bench someone he has a close relationship with.Aidan O’Connell was designated to return from the injured list in late October and saw plenty of game time last season. Meanwhile, Kenny Pickett has been waiting in the wings, eager to get his opportunity. He’d also relish the chance to get playing time this weekend against the Browns, who released him earlier this year.