The Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders is gaining attention as a potential contender for the starting quarterback role during training camp. Despite the presence of experienced players ahead of him on the depth chart, Sanders is showing signs of rapid progress that could elevate him beyond the traditional developmental role.
Gradual Rise of Shedeur Sanders in Browns’ Quarterback Hierarchy
Selected in the fifth round as the 144th overall pick, Sanders entered the NFL with some analysts considering him a possible first-round talent. However, concerns about his readiness for the professional level caused him to slip in the draft. Insider Mary Kay Cabot noted Sanders’ recent momentum, highlighting that his strong performances, although not yet with the starting group, have earned him opportunities to compete for meaningful reps in camp.
“His excellent performance, albeit not with the starters yet, earned him some time with the ones in training camp, and he’ll have fair a shot to see if he can win the starting job,” Mary Kay Cabot said.
“Now it’s up to him to prove everyone wrong who passed on him. If he continues to progress at his current clip, he’ll stay in the starting conversation deep into camp. It won’t be easy, but he has a chance,” Cabot added.
Adjusting to the Pro-Style Offense and Increasing Mental Processing
Transitioning from Colorado’s system, Sanders initially faced a steep learning curve adapting to the Browns’ pro-style offense, which demands advanced pre-snap recognition and quick decision-making. This adjustment period placed him behind veterans Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, and fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel on the quarterback depth chart.
Cabot emphasized that Sanders’ initial position as the fourth-string quarterback was a reflection of his developmental stage rather than any organizational bias. He has made significant strides in understanding the offense’s intricacies, particularly in recent weeks during OTAs and minicamp.
“Sanders had a long way to go when he showed up here in terms of learning how to run a pro style offense (mostly pre-snap operations) and still does,” Mary Kay Cabot remarked.
“It’s why he’s been the fourth-team quarterback. But he’s coming up the learning curve quickly, and really came on strong in the last two weeks OTAs and minicamp,” Cabot said.
Coaching Staff Encourages Fair Competition with Developmental Reps
ESPN analyst Jeremy Fowler recognized Sanders’ emerging confidence and his willingness to attempt challenging throws in tight coverage, even when faced with complex defensive setups. The Browns coaching staff has implemented simultaneous 7-on-7 drills during the spring to maximize meaningful practice reps for all four quarterbacks, including Sanders.
This strategy allows Sanders to continue gaining experience and demonstrate his growth alongside established competitors, maintaining an open contest for the starting quarterback role.
What This Means for the Browns and Sanders’ Future
Shedeur Sanders’ rapid development highlights the Browns’ depth at the quarterback position and signals a possible shift in the team’s quarterback dynamics. If his progress continues, Sanders could emerge as a serious candidate to challenge veteran Joe Flacco and others for significant playing time. The coming weeks of training camp will likely be decisive in determining how far Sanders’ rise goes and whether he can secure a lasting role on the roster.