Cleveland Browns rookie Shedeur Sanders has made an immediate impact at the team’s rookie minicamp, leaving both teammates and analysts alike impressed, despite his NFL Draft slump.
The former Colorado Buffaloes star, whose college career was marked by his high-profile status and connections, has been under the spotlight since falling to the 144th pick in 2025.
Eventually taken to the Huntington Bank Field in the fifth round, he now tries to work his way to the summit of a crowded quarterback room that includes Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett and Dillon Gabriel,.
The son of Deion Sanders, being a Hall of Fame player and a prominent media figure, it was expected that Shedeur would face constant attention both on and off the field and impressively, he seems to be stepping up to the challenge.
Critics raised concerns about whether Sanders could focus on his development effectively, he seems to have successfully displayed remarkable composure and caught the eye of Emmanuel Acho, former NFL player and current Fox Sports analyst.
“I don’t think I’ve been more fond of Shedeur than I am right now,” Acho said. “And not just what he said post-presser, but even on social media.
“If we’re being honest, Shedeur doesn’t talk that much. It’s the people around Shedeur that do all the talking.
“It was a picture of the whole rookie squad. I think the team is gathering around and galvanized by Shedeur, especially the rookies.”
Sanders now prepares for the upcoming full team activities, which will include both the rookies and veteran players and marks the true test of his ability to handle the rigors of the NFL.
However, his performance so far has suggested that the transition from college to professional football may be less challenging than initially anticipated, which shouldn’t be a shock for someone who produced 37 touchdowns.
On the field, he is known for his competitive nature and high energy, traits that make him an exciting prospect for the Browns but there are some weaknesses in his game, such as his lack of deep-throw ability.
With only a few weeks remaining before full team activities, Sanders‘ promising debut in the NFL has already exceeded expectations. Can he continue to stun onlookers by claiming the starting role?
Who do the Cleveland Browns play in the 2025/26 NFL season?
The Browns come into the 2025/26 NFL season looking to improve upon a miserable 2024, which saw them rooted to the foot of the AFC North behind the Baltimore Ravens, Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals.
With just three wins and 14 defeats, they finished with a 17.6 percent win rate, allowing 435 points against and scoring a meagre 258. They finished on a six-game losing streak and won once on the road all year.
More problems occurred for Deshaun Watson too, who missed most of the year with an Achilles injury and now could be sidelined once again as his underwhelming NFL career rages on.
So with the starter spot open for Sanders if he can prove he’s got the mettle for it, and has the chances to play against the Bengals, Steelers, Ravens, Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, Tennessee Titans, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, San Francisco 49ers, New England Patriots, New York Jets, Las Vegas Raiders, Detroit Lions and Chicago Bears.
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