Shedeur Sanders was drafted 144th overall, but he’s no ordinary fifth-round pick. There’s been growing support from Cleveland Browns fans and teammates, some even calling for him to be prioritized over Dillon Gabriel, who went two rounds earlier.
Sanders has focused on preparation rather than getting caught up in the comparisons. He wants to ensure he’s ready to compete at the highest level once the season begins.
Shedeur Sanders’ Workout Clips Fire up Cleveland Fans
The Browns are in a tricky spot at quarterback, with Sanders, Gabriel, Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, and the unpredictable Deshaun Watson all competing for the starting role.
Pickett is widely considered the frontrunner, but Sanders is working hard post-draft to make the decision as tough as possible.
A recent training clip shows him rolling to his left and hitting a crossing receiver with a well-placed throw. It’s a sign that Sander isn’t taking anything for granted, and fans were excited.
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“I’m not even a Browns fan, but I’m definitely tuning into Cleveland for bro,” one fan wrote.
“Browns got their QB1 in the 5th round,” another wrote.
Another added with excitement: “ROTY coming up!! Let’s go, Shedeur!!”
Most draft experts and NFL scouts ranked Sanders higher than Gabriel, but off-field issues and questions about his athleticism caused him to slide down the draft board. Nevertheless, many analysts believe Sanders still has a better shot at earning significant playing time or winning the starting job despite being drafted later and competing against well-known names.
In reality, Sanders should be competing with Gabriel for a backup role. With Watson recovering from a torn Achilles, he could be sidelined for the entire 2025 season, whether healthy or not.
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Pickett and Flacco offer veteran experience, but neither seems likely to inspire much confidence or reach a high ceiling. That leaves Sanders an opening, but he’ll need to be flawless on and off the field to capitalize on it.
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