Ahead of their 2025 NFL season on September 7 against the Cincinnati Bengals, Browns quarterback preparations and training for the starting role have already begun in camp. Shedeur Sanders, this year’s most talked-about star, is also a contender for the starting role in the Browns’ quarterback competition.
Honestly speaking, this time around, after the unexpected NFL draft saga, many want the ex-Colorado QB to become the team’s QB1. But desire alone isn’t enough—he has to prove his worthiness.
Some believe that Dillon Gabriel will have an advantage over Sanders, the fifth-round pick, in the Browns’ stacked QB room. However, ESPN analyst Louis Riddick has shut down speculation about Sanders vs. Gabriel with one simple condition: better opportunity.
Louis Riddick Backs Shedeur Sanders’ Skills But Warns It Comes Down to Opportunity
Sanders possesses the talent to start for the Cleveland Browns in Week 1, but ESPN analyst Riddick believes his success depends on whether he receives a fair opportunity during training camp.
Riddick shared his thoughts on ESPN’s “Get Up,” saying, “As long as they can get him enough reps.” He added that Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski needs to change how practice reps are distributed if he wants true competition. That means giving everyone, including Sanders, a fair shot.
The Browns’ quarterback room is filled with top-tier talent, and the former Colorado QB is facing intense competition. However, despite being a fifth-round pick, he has impressed coaches with his high-quality throws during the rookie minicamp.
That’s why Riddick believes Sanders has a real chance—if the battle is fair. He said, “If he can compete with Dillon Gabriel, if he can compete with Joe Flacco, if he can compete with Kenny Pickett, there’s a very good chance that if this is an organic competition with a level playing field, he could be your starter Week 1. No question about it.”
🔥 Shedeur Sanders. Potential Starter Week #1. @LRiddickESPN Explains
“If this is an organic competition with a level playing field, he could be your starter Week 1. No questions about it”
📽️ @GetUpESPN https://t.co/gAjxAeY521 pic.twitter.com/tJILRmRcgd
— JaKi 🇺🇸 (@JaKiTruth) May 21, 2025
Riddick’s emphasis on “No question” shows his confidence in Coach Prime’s son. It was also high praise for Sanders, considering he is competing against NFL veteran Joe Flacco, former Steelers starter Pickett, and 2024 Heisman finalist Gabriel.
KEEP READING: Shedeur Sanders Fans Put Kenny Pickett, Joe Flacco on Trial Amid Browns OTA QB Battle
And honestly, it’s a really big deal. Sanders is still new to the NFL. On paper, he shouldn’t stand a chance against such experienced players. But the way analysts like Riddick are backing him speaks volumes.
Still, the road won’t be straightforward. Reports from OTAs and minicamp suggest Pickett is currently leading the competition. That means Sanders may not get the starting role, at least not right away. But if he keeps this up, it’s only a matter of time before he gets his moment.
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