Shedeur Sanders arrived in Cleveland with little fanfare and even much less expectation, nevertheless it hasn’t taken lengthy for the rookie quarterback to flip the narrative.
Drafted on Day 3 of the 2025 NFL Draft by the Browns, the previous Colorado standout and son of Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders was anticipated to take a backseat this summer season.
As a substitute, his identify is now being whispered by way of the halls of Berea and never simply due to his lineage.
Coaches and insiders have taken discover of the 22-year-old’s speedy adjustment to the professional sport. Whereas most rookies spend minicamp simply making an attempt to maintain up, Sanders has been quietly climbing the inner ranks.
Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski, identified for his measured public remarks, broke character just lately by praising Sanders’ early camp demeanor.
“He is poised, skilled, and laser-focused,” Stefanski said-an unusually direct endorsement from a coach who not often singles out rookies.
Browns’ quarterback competitors may see a stunning shake-up
Cleveland enters this season with lingering questions below middle. Deshaun Watson, the group’s high-priced starter, stays the point of interest, however consistency and sturdiness have been ongoing considerations.
Behind him is 40-year-old Joe Flacco, who offered a late-season spark in 2023 however did not log a single begin final 12 months.
In accordance with NFL insider Diana Russini, Sanders might already be pushing Flacco for the backup position.
Throughout an look on The Herd with Colin Cowherd, Russini stated the Browns are prone to lean into evaluating the rookie throughout preseason.
“We’ll see quite a lot of him this summer season,” Russini stated. “I do not envision Kevin Stefanski throwing Joe Flacco on the market… for preseason sport one and two. I do not assume he cares. I feel he is aware of what Joe can do.”
With Flacco on a team-friendly deal and no long-term funding required, there’s little draw back to giving Sanders prolonged reps in August.
And if the rookie continues to impress, he may realistically leapfrog Flacco on the depth chart earlier than the common season begins.
What Sanders brings to the desk is extra than simply his final identify. His school movie confirmed a quarterback with a excessive soccer IQ, accuracy on deep passes, and robust decision-making within the pocket.
These traits have begun to point out up in follow, the place he is reportedly gaining belief from coaches and veterans alike.
The Browns are coming into a important marketing campaign. After an encouraging 2023 season that ended abruptly within the Wild Card spherical, the franchise is seeking to show it could maintain success.
Stefanski, although nonetheless in command, is below strain to push the group deeper into the postseason.
