The Cleveland Browns’ decision to draft Shedeur Sanders in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft has sparked controversy, with former NFL running back LeSean McCoy suggesting the move was intended to humble the young quarterback. However, as minicamp unfolds, Sanders appears to be proving his doubters wrong, and the Browns could soon find themselves reconsidering their quarterback hierarchy.
Sanders, the son of NFL legend Deion Sanders, was once projected as a high first-round pick, lauded for his arm talent and leadership skills. But his draft stock tumbled in the months leading up to the selection process, with reports of arrogance affecting his reputation among teams. As a result, Sanders fell to the Browns at the 144th overall pick-after they had already selected quarterback Dillon Gabriel in the third round.
McCoy, speaking on The Facility, claimed the Browns deliberately took Sanders later than expected to humble him. “You try to teach him a lesson, now it backfired,” McCoy said. “Because the third-round quarterback… we know he’s [Gabriel] not better than Shedeur.”
Despite his draft slide, Sanders is making waves in Browns minicamp. He is now competing with Gabriel, Kenny Pickett, Joe Flacco, and, eventually, Deshaun Watson-who is recovering from an Achilles injury and is not expected back until 2026. With Watson sidelined, the battle for the starting role is wide open, and Sanders appears to be rising through the ranks.
The quarterback competition intensifies
McCoy pointed to Sanders’ immediate impact as evidence that the Browns’ gamble may have backfired. “Now you are in a room with quarterbacks that are not proven,” McCoy said. “And the best one is going to win it out.” The Browns’ quarterback room is filled with uncertainty. Gabriel, their third-round pick, was expected to develop behind more experienced signal-callers. However, Sanders’ rapid progression could put Gabriel’s chances in jeopardy. Pickett and Flacco bring NFL experience but have struggled to establish themselves as long-term options.
McCoy believes the writing is on the wall: Sanders is on track to earn the starting job, possibly sooner than expected. “Coaches are not going to waste their time to address the media and the whole entire team about lying about a fifth- and third-round draft pick,” McCoy said. “Because really, for real talk, they don’t really matter in the NFL.”
As the Browns evaluate their quarterback options, Sanders is making a compelling case to be the starter. What was meant to be a lesson in humility might instead be an opportunity for redemption-and a chance for Sanders to prove that his talent outweighs the doubts surrounding his personality. If he continues to impress, the Cleveland Browns could soon find themselves with an unexpected franchise quarterback in a player they initially hoped to humble.
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