When asked about fellow Browns newcomer Shedeur Sanders, star defensive end Myles Garrett didn’t hold back.
“He’s funny, he’s optimistic, lighthearted, but he works hard,” Garrett told reporters at a Browns‘ press conference on Wednesday.
“He takes it seriously, his craft and he’s watching what the others are doing and doing it his own way, in which only he can. So, looking forward to see him on these preseason games and how he manages the offense. But I think he looks good, but all the guys look good right now.”
Despite Sanders landing in Cleveland as a surprise fifthround pick and currently ranking behind Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, and Dillon Gabriel on the depth chart, Garrett‘s first impressions since then have remained positive.
“I think everyone was surprised to see him go to the fifth round,” Garrett said back in June.
“He’s come to camp and OTAs with a great attitude. He’s a hardworking guy. He’s got a good head on his shoulders. He’s always positive, always optimistic, always got a smile on his face. You like going to work with people who have that kind of attitude.”
Sanders set to start in Browns preseason opener
Sanders has been named the starter for the team’s preseason opener on Friday, setting the stage for his NFL debut in front of fans and coaches eager to see what he can deliver.
With veteran quarterback Joe Flacco being held out of the first exhibition game and Kenny Pickett recovering from injury, the door opened wide for Sanders to seize a meaningful opportunity.
Sanders hasn’t seen extensive reps with the first-team offense during training camp, but his performance against backups has turned heads.
Now, with live game action approaching, all eyes are on how the 23-year-old can transition from strong practice showings to in-game execution.
Garrett also acknowledged that Sanders is eager to learn from the defense’s perspective.
“He’s definitely coming to me a couple times to see what I’m thinking [when] I’m going through my rush or what the defense’s mentality is.”
That kind of curiosity and willingness to learn could be key in Sanders‘ growth.
Being surrounded by veterans like Garrett and Flacco offers him access to high-level football IQ, something most rookies don’t take advantage of to this degree.
Flacco, who won a Super Bowl with the Ravens and brings over 15 years of NFL experience, is also excited to see what Sanders can bring in his first real taste of NFL gameplay.
“Oh, it’ll be interesting,” Flacco said.
“I think we’ll all be sitting there watching and be excited for football to be going real time. And I think he’s probably excited about that, too. Your first time to go in the NFL. I remember mine. I mean, I didn’t get to play until the last two minutes of the game, but it’s something that he’ll remember forever.”
Friday’s matchup is valuable chance for Sanders to demonstrate his readiness, command the huddle, and make his case for a bigger role as the Browns sort out their quarterback depth.
His performance will not only help shape his immediate future with the team, but it will also offer a glimpse into how Cleveland envisions its long-term quarterback situation.
For Sanders, the pressure is on – but so is the opportunity.
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