Shedeur Sanders was once projected to be a top-three NFL Draft pick. Instead, the former Colorado Buffaloes quarterback fell to the fifth round, where the Cleveland Browns scooped him up. Despite the surprise drop, Sanders may still get a chance to shine—and possibly start. That’s according to veteran NFL analyst Mike Florio, who says Sanders could work his way to the top of the depth chart, depending on how things shake out in training camp.
Cleveland’s quarterback situation is one of the most crowded in the league. Alongside Sanders, the Browns also drafted Dillon Gabriel and added veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett in free agency. Meanwhile, franchise QB Deshaun Watson remains out indefinitely while recovering from an Achilles injury. With so many names in the mix, it’s easy to overlook Sanders. But that might be a mistake.
Training Camp Will Be Crucial for Sanders
Florio believes Sanders’ path to the starting job begins in training camp and preseason. While it’s unlikely he starts Week 1, Florio says there’s a real shot Sanders could climb the depth chart during the season if he can show leadership, poise, and command of the offense. If the Browns decide to trim their quarterback group to just three players, Sanders will need to prove he’s worth keeping around.
Shedeur, the son of Hall of Famer Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders, comes with a high football IQ and solid stats to back him up. During his final college season, Sanders passed for 3,230 yards, 27 touchdowns, and just 3 interceptions. Despite his numbers and name recognition, he slipped in the draft due to questions about the level of competition he faced and how his skills would translate to the NFL.
Could Shedeur Sanders Start in 2025?
If Joe Flacco struggles or Kenny Pickett fails to perform under pressure, Sanders may get his chance sooner rather than later. The Browns are coming off a season where QB injuries and inconsistency cost them dearly. If the coaching staff sees growth and composure from the rookie, it wouldn’t be shocking to see him inserted into the lineup by midseason.
Florio’s take? The opportunity exists, even if it’s a long shot. Sanders just needs to capitalize on every snap he gets—whether it’s in camp, preseason, or garbage-time regular-season play.
While many rookies drafted in the fifth round struggle to make a roster, Shedeur Sanders has the pedigree and potential to break that mold. If he stays locked in and continues to improve, don’t be surprised if Coach Prime’s son becomes a key part of the Cleveland Browns’ future.
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