As the Cleveland Browns wrap up their mandatory minicamp, Shedeur Sanders is emerging as one of the most intriguing storylines of the offseason, but while the fifth-rounder has climbed the ranks, a starting role continues to sit just beyond his grasp.
Selected as the 144th pick after a shocking plummet in the 2025 NFL Draft, which had him forecast to go in the first round, the Colorado Buffaloes‘ graduate is now trying to prove the critics wrong.
And he’s put up solid performances through the Browns‘ OTAs and minicamp and is slowly winning the favor of the coaching staff around him, earning particular plaudits for his ability to quickly grasp the offensive system and implement it in practice.
However, despite the effort, on 92.3 The Fan’s Wake Up with Earl Da Pearl and Spencer German, both hosts made a compelling argument for Sanders to only begin training camp as the team’s No. 2 quarterback.
“We are talking about a guy learning a system, being able to process what he’s learning and then being able to transfer that into success on the football field,” Earl said, pointing to Sanders‘ mental approach and composure as uncommon traits for a rookie.
To which German replied, “He’s earned the right when training camp opens up to get some reps with the ones.
“I’m curious to see what that looks like, but he’s the one quarterback who hasn’t done that yet and so until I see that I can’t put him number one.”
According to Earl, Sanders has also already earned the respect of his teammates regardless of which unit he’s worked with, and his upside is clear for the 23-year-old who threw 37 touchdowns in the 2024 NCAA season.
What’s Holding Sanders Back?
While local hosts are bullish on Sanders‘ progress, the Browns have yet to finalize any depth chart decisions as they weigh up their options between Shedeur, Dillon Gabriel, Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett.
However, the ESPN insider, Jeremy Fowler, confirmed on SportsCenter that Sanders has caught the attention of head coach Kevin Stefanski and his staff and could emerge as a serious contender for the starting spot.
“Including Sanders who showed the ability to put the ball in some tight windows,” Fowler reported. “He threw with aggressiveness, took some chances, so they like where he sits.”
Still, Kevin Stefanski‘s approach has remained experimental throughout organized team activities, as he continues evaluating his options ahead of the opening day clash with the Cincinnati Bengals.
Though Gabriel, a third-round pick, has received more total reps and took first-team snaps during rookie and mandatory minicamps, Fowler suggested that Sanders‘ performance has forced the coaching staff to reconsider the initial pecking order.
The 40-year-old veteran Flacco remains the most proven option after leading the team to a 4-1 record and a playoff berth in 2023, while Pickett brings recent starting experience.
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