One of the biggest surprises of this year’s NFL Draft was the unexpected fall of Shedeur Sanders. Once projected as a top-three pick, the former Colorado Buffaloes quarterback ended up being selected in the fifth round by the Cleveland Browns. Now, the question is: Can Coach Prime’s son fight his way into becoming QB1 in a loaded Browns quarterback room?
Cleveland already has plenty of competition at the position. Alongside Sanders, the Browns selected Dillon Gabriel and signed veterans Kenny Pickett and Joe Flacco during free agency. With Deshaun Watson still sidelined due to an Achilles injury, the team will need someone to step up, but the path is far from clear for the rookie.
NFL analyst Mike Florio believes that while it’s a long shot, Sanders can rise to the top. In a recent piece, Florio pointed out that Sanders’ chance to start as a rookie hinges entirely on how he performs in training camp and the preseason.
With Watson out, the Browns could trim their QB rotation to three. That opens the door for Sanders, but he’ll need to prove he belongs. Florio suggests that while Cleveland may start with a veteran at quarterback, if Sanders can showcase his leadership and arm talent, a starting role later in the season isn’t off the table.
A massive surprise: Shedeur Sanders’ fall in the draft left Vikings star Justin Jefferson stunned
Shedeur Sanders’ slide in the draft didn’t go unnoticed by fellow players either. Minnesota Vikings star Justin Jefferson was left stunned. While attending the F1 Miami Grand Prix over the weekend, Jefferson reacted to the news:
“I think it’s crazy that he dropped that far in the draft. I definitely thought that he should’ve been drafted in the first or second round. I guess it’s just more fire for him—more chip on his shoulder that he can use going into the league.”
Shedeur Sanders racked up over 7,300 passing yards and 64 touchdowns in his two seasons with Colorado, showcasing elite poise and playmaking ability. Though his draft stock took a hit, his skill set hasn’t changed—and neither has his drive.
It’s not the path Shedeur Sanders expected, but with his work ethic, spotlight experience, and a point to prove, don’t be surprised if he rewrites his story in Cleveland.
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