Browns QBs Put on Notice as Shedeur Sanders Hype Grows

A prominent NFL analyst believes rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders could claim the Cleveland Browns’ starting job if he’s given a legitimate opportunity to compete.

The Browns selected Sanders, the former Colorado standout, in the fifth round of the draft. While he’s seemingly a long shot to win the QB1 competition against veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett, and fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel, there’s growing buzz that Sanders could push his way into the starting conversation.

ESPN’s Louis Riddick does not think the idea of Sanders winning the job is a “ridiculous” sentiment.

“It’s not ridiculous, as long as they can get him enough reps,” Riddick said. “It sounds like Kevin Stefanski is aware of the fact that in order to create a real quarterback competition, he’ll have to change some things in terms of how he divvies out reps in the preseason and offseason. If he can compete with Dillon Gabriel, Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett, there’s a very good chance that — if this is an organic competition with a level playing field — he can be your starter Week 1. No question about it.”

Riddick, a former NFL safety turned analyst, has been one of Sanders’ most vocal supporters. His connection to the Sanders family runs deep, stemming from his close relationship with Deion Sanders, his former teammate during their time with the Atlanta Falcons.

Browns QB Shedeur Sanders Taking Lack of Reps in Stride

Sanders arrives in Cleveland with a high-profile resume and a large media spotlight, having thrown for more than 7,300 yards and 64 touchdowns during two seasons at Colorado.

Once projected as an early-round pick, Sanders slipped to the fifth round amid concerns about durability and fit at the next level — something he has approached with humility. It’s helped him earn the respect of some veteran Browns players, including Myles Garrett.

“I think everyone was surprised to see him go to the fifth round, but he’s come to camp and OTAs with a great attitude,” Garrett said. “He’s a hard-working guy; he has a great head on his shoulders. And, you know, he’s always positive, always optimistic, always keeps a smile on his face, and you like going to work with people who have that kind of attitude.”

Shedeur Sanders Still in Mix for Browns

The Browns have emphasized that their quarterback competition remains open, though Sanders has mostly worked with backups during minicamp and OTAs. Head coach Kevin Stefanski has downplayed the significance of early rep distribution, noting that any decisions won’t be made until deeper into training camp.

“We’re so far away from that type of thought process,” Stefanski said during minicamp. “Honestly, it’s a, we’re in our installation phase. It’s the offseason, it’s OTAs, so we’re going to keep the focus there. Once you get into training camp, of course you’re getting ready to play games and ultimately getting ready for playing the season. But right now that’s not our focus.”

The limited work with the starters might discourage others, but Sanders refuses to use it as an excuse.

“Life is just based on how you view different things,” Sanders said during minicamp. “So you can view things as you’re not getting reps in a negative way or you can view it as, OK, when it’s my time to get out there, let’s be proactive and let’s get warm, let’s get going.

“So, there’s no excuses because when you get out there, nobody cares how many reps you got whenever you get in the game. Nobody cares if you took a snap before. Everybody cares about production. So that’s the main thing when you get out there: You got to be able to produce.”