Sanders Impressing but Not Yet Elevated in Browns’ Depth Chart
Shedeur Sanders, the Cleveland Browns’ fifth-round quarterback pick, is one of the most talked-about rookies heading into training camp. Yet despite his reputation as a college star at Colorado, Sanders has yet to take first-team reps in practice.
NFL insider Albert Breer offered some clarity in a recent radio appearance, stating Sanders simply has more ground to cover than fellow rookie QB Dillon Gabriel. Breer emphasized that the difference isn’t about raw talent, but about how each player is adjusting to the NFL’s mental demands.
Learning Curve Slows Down His Ascension
According to Breer, despite working with top coaches like Deion Sanders and Pat Shurmur, Shedeur entered the NFL with less familiarity with pro-style concepts.
“There were teams that were stunned by how little Shedeur knew relative to what they thought,” Breer said.
While that might surprise fans who saw him excel at Colorado, NFL playbooks are notoriously complex.
Deion Sanders didn’t take the criticism lightly. On a recent podcast, he passionately defended his son’s work ethic and preparation, calling him a “professional” who has thrived under multiple coordinators.
Strong Practice Performances Keep Him in the Mix
Despite the slower learning curve, Sanders has reportedly performed well during spring practices. Observers praised his accuracy, decision-making, and poise even if those reps came against second- and third-team defenses. In comparison to Gabriel, Kenny Pickett, and Joe Flacco, Sanders has delivered consistently sharp performances.
His college résumé supports the hype: over four seasons, Sanders threw for more than 14,000 yards and 134 touchdowns with just 27 interceptions, completing 70% of his passes.
What’s Next for Shedeur Sanders?
With Browns training camp starting later this month, all eyes will be on Sanders’ progression. The Browns appear to be investing in his development by giving him space to learn, even if he’s not yet in the top group. If his growth continues, it could become increasingly difficult to keep him off the first team.
Patience might be the Browns’ best bet. But don’t be surprised if Sanders forces the issue sooner than later.
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