A Rising Star in a Competitive Landscape

Rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders has become a central figure in the Cleveland Browns' quarterback race, defying draft expectations with standout performances during organized team activities (OTAs) and minicamps. Selected in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, the son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders has impressed coaches and analysts alike with his precision and composure.

Key Performance Highlights

• Completed 7-of-9 passes with 3 touchdowns and 0 interceptions in a recent OTA session
• Recorded 10 touchdowns in two days during Rookie Minicamp
• Showed a 74.2% completion rate and 35 touchdowns in his final college season at Colorado (2024)

Coach's Perspective

"Shedeur is a great kid... he’s working like crazy just like all the guys." Coach Kevin Stefanski

Stefanski has praised Sanders' work ethic, noting his dedication to early-morning practice and film study sessions. This aligns with the Browns' approach of evaluating all quarterbacks thoroughly through split-squad practices and rotated reps.

The Rivalry at Quarterback

Sanders faces tough competition from:

• Joe Flacco: A Super Bowl-winning veteran emphasizing daily improvement
• Kenny Pickett: A former first-round pick focused on consistent performance
• Dillon Gabriel: A third-round rookie with mixed results (11-of-16 passing for 2 TDs but 1 INT)

Challenges Ahead

With Deshaun Watson sidelined by injury recovery, the battle for backup roles intensifies. Sanders' ability to perform under pressure and separate from his father's legacy will be critical. As he reflects:

"It’s fun... Coach is definitely going to push you. We give him that respect... it’ll be interesting being a Cleveland Brown now."

Future Outlook

As OTAs continue and training camp approaches, Shedeur Sanders' journey from draft-day obscurity to potential breakout star continues to captivate NFL observers. His combination of skill, work ethic, and family resilience may position him as a key part of the Browns' future plans.

Keywords: Cleveland Browns, Shedeur Sanders, Joe Flacco, NFL Draft, Quarterback Competition