Shedeur Sanders arrived in the NFL with impressive credentials, including a standout college career and a reputation for pinpoint passing accuracy.
But while many expected him to be an early-round selection, the Cleveland Browns picked him up in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Now, the former Colorado Buffaloes star finds himself in the middle of a four-man quarterback battle-one that may be influenced more by politics than performance.
On The Facility, former NFL linebacker Emmanuel Acho outlined three key reasons why Sanders, despite his upside, could struggle to climb the depth chart. According to Acho, it’s not necessarily about talent.
“Even if Shedeur is the most talented quarterback, it might be politics that keep him from starting week one,” Acho said. “What might those politics be? Hey, we’ve invested $4 million into Joe Flacco, politics number one.
“Hey, we traded for Kenny Pickett, politics number two. Hey, we drafted Dillon Gabriel in the third round, and Shedeur in the fifth round, politics number three.”
Early flashes from Sanders don’t guarantee fast track
In early OTAs, Sanders completed 7-of-9 passes with three touchdowns, generating buzz among fans and some national analysts. But local reporters urged caution, noting that Sanders didn’t take part in 11-on-11 team drills.
As reported by Browns beat writer Mary Kay Cabot, he’s currently listed as the fourth quarterback behind Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, and rookie Dillon Gabriel.
That depth chart placement isn’t just about ability-it’s also shaped by investments the Browns have already made. Flacco was signed to a $4 million deal, Pickett was acquired via trade, and Gabriel went two rounds earlier than Sanders in the draft.
These factors may weigh heavily in the team’s early-season decisions, regardless of on-field performance.
Praise from NFL legend highlights what Sanders brings
Shedeur Sanders‘ backers include Hall of Fame quarterback Kurt Warner, who was vocal in his belief that the rookie was undervalued in the draft process.
Speaking on The Jim Rome Show, Warner highlighted Sanders‘ accuracy and poise as traits that set him apart in the 2025 draft class.
“My evaluation was (Sanders was) the most accurate quarterback I’ve got in this draft,” Warner said. “When he sets his feet, when he’s comfortable in the pocket, he delivers the football, the ball goes where he wants it to go.
“I really like Shedeur Sanders. He wasn’t a fifth-round prospect, in my opinion… I’m excited to see how this Cleveland quarterback room plays out.”
A strong college legacy, but an uphill NFL climb
During his two years under Coach Prime at Colorado, Sanders threw for 7,364 yards and 64 touchdowns. In 2024, he led the Buffaloes to a 9-4 season and an appearance in the Alamo Bowl, where they fell to BYU.
He also earned the 2024 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, solidifying his status as one of the top quarterbacks in college football.
Still, none of that guarantees him a fast path to starting in the NFL-especially on a team with a crowded and politically complicated quarterback room.
With training camp approaching, Sanders will need to do more than outplay his teammates. He’ll have to overcome perception, investment bias, and the optics of draft status to stake his claim as the Browns‘ quarterback of the future.
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