BEREA, Ohio — Shedeur Sanders, the Cleveland Browns’ fifth-round draft pick, has turned heads during the early days of training camp, showcasing the same poise and accuracy that defined his standout 2024 college season at Colorado. The former Buffaloes quarterback, now vying for the starting job in a crowded Cleveland Browns quarterback room, has displayed flashes of brilliance but faces stiff competition from veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett, as well as fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel.
Sanders, who arrived in Cleveland after a surprising slide to the 144th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, has embraced the challenge. In training camp practices, he has demonstrated his signature precision, completing a high percentage of his passes in 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills. Observers note his quick release and ability to connect with receivers on short and intermediate routes, skills honed during his final college season. A recent viral clip showed Sanders throwing a pinpoint pass to rookie wide receiver Luke Floriea, sparking excitement among fans on social media.
In 2024, Sanders led Colorado to a 9-4 record and an Alamo Bowl appearance, throwing for 4,134 yards, 37 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions while completing 74% of his passes. His performance earned him the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year award and the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, cementing his reputation as one of college football’s top quarterbacks. Despite these accolades, concerns about his pre-draft interviews and perceived attitude contributed to his draft fall, leaving him with a chip on his shoulder as he enters the NFL.
Shedeur Sanders, NFL quarterback.
The Browns’ quarterback competition remains wide open as training camp progresses. Flacco, a 40-year-old veteran with prior success in Cleveland, holds the edge for the Week 1 starting role due to his experience in head coach Kevin Stefanski’s system. Pickett, acquired in an offseason trade, has also taken significant reps with the first-team offense, while Gabriel, a third-round pick from Oregon, brings his own dynamic skill set. Sanders, often fourth in line for reps, has impressed coaches with his work ethic and ability to learn the playbook, but he remains a long shot to start against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sept. 7.
Sanders has stayed focused amid the scrutiny, emphasizing growth over immediate results. His intense midnight workouts, including a recent run in Dallas captured on Instagram, highlight his commitment to earning a roster spot. While some fans on social media proclaim Sanders as the most talented quarterback on the roster, others caution that his limited reps against starting defenses make his performance hard to gauge.
The Cleveland Browns view Shedeur Sanders as a potential long-term answer at quarterback, especially with Deshaun Watson sidelined for 2025 due to an Achilles injury. If Sanders continues to progress, he could climb the depth chart, but for now, he must outshine his competitors in preseason games against the Carolina Panthers, Philadelphia Eagles, and Los Angeles Rams. With his talent and determination, Sanders aims to prove he’s more than a fifth-round afterthought.
Browns helmet unveiling went into fiasco Wednesday.
Ben Simmons is set for a decision on his future.
