Following his widely discussed NFL Draft slide, Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders sends a powerful message to the football world: he’s ready for the challenge.
The Colorado quarterback prospect was projected to go late into the first round by some experts, but ultimately fell all the way to the fifth round, behind fellow Browns draftee, QB Dillon Gabriel.
Despite Draft Slide, Shedeur Sanders Posts That He’s Ready for the Opportunity in Cleveland
Speaking to Overtime following the draft, new Cleveland QB Shedeur Sanders discussed the opportunity ahead of him, as he looks to take the NFL by storm in his rookie season despite his apparent Draft snub.
Shedeur Sanders’ Message After Getting Drafted By The Cleveland Browns:
“It’s time to take advantage of the opportunity—gotta go in there with a different mindset; and lead the program in whatever role I gotta be in until it’s my time.”
🎥@overtime pic.twitter.com/CPeJLBcSek
— GUCCE🦬🐦⬛ (@gucceCU) April 30, 2025
“It’s time to take advantage of the opportunity—gotta go in there with a different mindset, and lead the program in whatever role I gotta be in until it’s my time,” he explained.
The situation in Cleveland’s Quarterback room is unknown going into the preseason, with Deshaun Watson, Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Sanders, and fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel all vying for the starting role.
Despite his statement, Sanders will have to compete for the starting spot this season against the others. Gabriel, who was picked ahead of Shedeur, claims he’s up for the challenge.
“Yeah, I’m built for it. You know, I’ve done this all my life. I’ve been playing quarterback from a young age and have stepped into, you know, top-tier programs that demand success, so I’m built for this. I’m ready for it,” the Oregon quarterback explained.
Cleveland Browns Coach Says QB Spot Is Wide Open
Ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft, Cleveland Browns HC Kevin Stefanski was questioned about the current quarterback situation in Cleveland. The coach explained that it’s an open contest.
“Whoever’s in the room is competing for the job,” the Browns coach explained.
In a recent video released by the Browns, the coach was recorded talking to Sanders during his selection.
“Let’s get ready to go to work and prove everyone who passed on you wrong”
the moment the phone rang for @ShedeurSanders was one to remember 📞 pic.twitter.com/7ZPXQadnwO
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) April 30, 2025
“You gotta come in, and work hard, and you gotta earn your job, earn your keep, it doesn’t matter where you’re taken, it matters what you do from this point forward, you’re talented, let’s get ready to go to work,” Stefanski explained to the former Colorado Quarterback.
“Let’s get ready to go to work and prove everyone who passed on you wrong,” leaving off with a motivational note to the quarterback.
The Browns’ 2025 minicamp will begin on Friday, May 9. There, Sanders will have his first opportunity to make a push for the starting quarterback job.
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