Shedeur Sanders may have slipped to the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, but just weeks into his professional career, the former Colorado Buffaloes quarterback is rapidly climbing the Cleveland Browns’ depth chart – and commanding the attention of coaches, teammates, and analysts alike.
The rookie quarterback has reportedly made a strong impression during the Browns’ rookie minicamp, showcasing the same poise and pinpoint accuracy that once had him projected as a Day 1 pick. While many were surprised by his draft-day slide, those around the Browns facility are now questioning whether he could emerge as a legitimate contender for the starting job come Week 1.
NFL Notifications summed up his minicamp performance in a single, emphatic statement: “The only time a Shedeur Sanders ball hit the ground all rookie minicamp is when the receiver dropped it.”
A heated competition brewing in Cleveland
Sanders isn’t the only rookie quarterback trying to make waves. Third-round pick Dillon Gabriel, known for his college days at Oklahoma, has also drawn praise, particularly from ESPN Cleveland’s Tony Grossi. In a detailed analysis, Grossi suggested that while Sanders has impressed, Gabriel has edged him out slightly over the first two days of minicamp.
“I thought both days Dillon Gabriel looked a little bit better,” Grossi said.
“He throws a tight spiral. He throws a beautiful ball. He’s very assertive. He knows the pocket … he just has a pocket presence.”
Grossi went on to highlight Gabriel’s surprising arm strength and composure, while acknowledging that Sanders is “by no means a bust.” Instead, the veteran analyst emphasized that the competition between the two rookies is pushing both to a high level – a welcome challenge for a Browns team that has struggled to find consistent quarterback play in recent years.
While Sanders may be considered more of a long-term project by some, others inside the organization have begun to see him as “the most accurate QB the Browns have seen in over a decade.” The 21-year-old has demonstrated a rare ability to read the field, deliver precision throws, and stay calm under pressure – traits that could quickly elevate him in a quarterback room filled with uncertainty.
That room now includes veteran Joe Flacco, who rejoined the Browns after a resurgent 2024 campaign, and former Steelers starter Kenny Pickett, who signed with the team in free agency. With Deshaun Watson recovering from Achilles surgery and expected to miss the start of the season, the door is open for a quarterback battle that could stretch through training camp and the preseason.
Cleveland’s exhibition schedule kicks off on August 8 against the Carolina Panthers, followed by matchups against the defending champion Philadelphia Eagles, the Los Angeles Rams, and a home game against the division rival Cincinnati Bengals. Both Sanders and Gabriel are expected to see significant reps as the team evaluates its future under center.
With plenty of snaps up for grabs and early signs pointing to a tight race, the battle between Sanders and Gabriel could shape the Browns‘ 2025 season – and potentially the franchise’s long-term quarterback picture.
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