The Cleveland Browns made headlines during the 2025 NFL Draft by selecting quarterback Shedeur Sanders with the 144th overall pick. Once projected as a potential first-round selection, Sanders fell into the fifth round before landing in Cleveland. Interestingly, he wasn’t even the first quarterback taken by the Browns, who picked Dillon Gabriel in the third round at No. 94.
This quarterback-heavy strategy raised eyebrows among Browns fans.
Browns facing roster depth issues
The team, coming off a disappointing 3-14 season, has numerous roster holes to fill, particularly on the offensive and defensive lines.
Some questioned whether the team should have prioritized depth across positions instead of doubling down on rookie quarterbacks.
Veteran Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot addressed this concern in her “Hey, Mary Kay!” column over the weekend, defending the organization’s choices.
“The Browns were always going to draft a rookie quarterback, and adding Shedeur Sanders in the fifth round came only at the expense of a special teams player or rotational prospects,” she explained.
“Besides, quarterbacks can be used as currency if they develop well enough.”
Cabot also pointed out that Cleveland made significant strides in the backfield by selecting Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson, describing them as a duo “Browns fans will love.”
Still, the team’s gamble on quarterbacks, particularly Sanders, has become the defining storyline of their draft.
Shedeur now joins a crowded quarterback room that includes Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, and fellow rookie Gabriel.
While Flacco brings veteran experience and Pickett’s future remains uncertain amid trade speculation, Sanders appears focused on fitting in and earning his place.
“I’ve mainly just been focusing on the team, everybody that’s currently around me… I just have to lock in, stay focused on what’s present now,” he said.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski is encouraged by what he’s seen so far.
“Shedeur is a great kid… He’s in there early, he’s getting his work done. He’s working really really hard. I like everything there is about Shedeur,” he told ESPN Cleveland following rookie minicamp.
The Browns may still look to add depth ahead of training camp, but for now, the focus remains on player development, and Sanders’ journey from draft day disappointment to potential future starter is already one of the most watched in the league.
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