The OTAs and mandatory minicamp have ended for the Cleveland Browns, and it’s been striking how the training camp under head coach Kevin Stefanski came to a complete standstill-and will likely remain that way when practices resume in July. The reason? Of course: Shedeur Sanders.
You’d have to look through the NFL history books to find a quarterback battle as intense as the one currently happening with the Cleveland Browns. Right now, four quarterbacks are in the mix: veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett, along with rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders.
Everything going on at camp is thanks to Shedeur Sanders, who has thrived under the spotlight. Yes, he finished his college career with a couple of solid years at the University of Colorado, but being the son of Hall of Famer and legendary player Deion Sanders has put him squarely in the national sports spotlight.
Kevin Stefanski didn’t give Shedeur Sanders any first-team reps
According to ESPN, Shedeur Sanders threw nine touchdown passes during OTAs. In the mandatory minicamp, he had some standout moments. On the first day, he threw a spectacular touchdown pass to Gage Larvadain and another to Diontae Johnson in 7-on-7 drills. In the 11-on-11 sessions, he also connected for two more touchdowns.
Overall, Shedeur Sanders has done what’s been asked of him, but being drafted as late as the fifth round has clearly hurt his standing. Right now, he’s the last quarterback on the depth chart, and head coach Kevin Stefanski hasn’t given him a single opportunity to take reps with the first team-something that former NFL defensive back Tyvis Powell strongly criticized.
“It is kind of ridiculous-everybody else can get first-team reps. The ball comes out, and he’s making good plays. So if that is the case, how has he not got a rep with the ones?” said Tyvis Powell.
What’s certain is that Shedeur Sanders has proven over these past two weeks that he’s serious about competing, even though on paper he’s ranked behind Flacco, Pickett, and Gabriel. Let’s not forget-Shedeur was once considered a first-round prospect, and for one reason or another, he slid all the way to the fifth round. But he could still become a great NFL story-going from overlooked to star.
Now comes a break, and when training camp starts in the last week of July, we’ll find out what Shedeur Sanders is truly made of-and whether he has a real chance of sticking with the team.
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