The Cleveland Browns have a bit of a quarterback traffic jam right now. They picked up Dillon Gabriel in the third round and Shedeur Sanders in the fifth. With the rookie minicamp over, both QBs got reps, and early signs show they each bring solid accuracy and smart decision-making. But, of course, the NFL doesn’t allow to have two quarterbacks to run the offense at once. Based on draft position and early buzz, it looks like Gabriel might have the edge. As Mary Kay Cabot noted, “Gabriel will be ahead of Sanders at the start of spring ball just like he was in the draft.” But is it so? Well, Sanders is leading the Browns towards a tough call.
According to NFL Rookie Watch on X, “Shedeur Sanders reportedly had Browns coaches “shocked” at his precision and accuracy with the short time they had with him at rookie minicamp.” Yes! He might’ve gone later in the draft, but that’s not slowing him down one bit. At rookie minicamp, he stayed out there longer than most, grinding, pushing, trying to make every rep count.
With five quarterbacks in the room and him being the second one Cleveland picked this year, Sanders knows he’s got a mountain to climb. But watching how he’s already showing up, you can tell he’s not backing down. As per the tweet, “Sanders reportedly was throwing the ball with the “touch” of a 10-year NFL veteran…..(He) has “goals” of winning the QB1 position for the Browns and competing for Offensive Rookie of the Year this season.”
Shedeur Sanders reportedly had Browns coaches “shocked” at his precision and accuracy with the short time they had with him at rookie minicamp.
Sanders reportedly was throwing the ball with the “touch” of a 10-year NFL veteran.
Sanders reportedly has “goals” of winning the QB1… pic.twitter.com/DTo3kUCKMY
— NFL Rookie Watch (@NFLRookieWatxh) May 19, 2025
It’s true that Shedeur Sanders is “currently not even listed on the Browns depth chart. However, several sources close to the Browns reportedly believe Sanders is the “most talented QB in the room” and will rise rapidly once training camp is underway.” Even former NFL general manager Scot McCloughan believes that the Colorado QB could be the best quarterback of this year’s draft class.
So, if the reports are true and everything goes well in line for Sanders, he may start this 2025. This will force the Browns to make a change and add him to the depth chart, after he experienced a heartbreak firsthand.
Shedeur Sanders has another request for his fans
Shedeur Sanders has always been No. 2. It was more than a number; it was part of who he was in Colorado. But now in the NFL, things have changed. That number’s already taken by DeAndre Carter, and Shedeur didn’t even think about fighting for it. Instead, he switched to No. 12. At first, yeah, it felt like a loss for him and for fans who knew how much 2 meant. But then it started to make sense. Because this wasn’t just a new number, it was a message, a fresh start.
It quietly tips the hat to Tom Brady, someone who’s guided him since high school, and if you look closer, it’s also a flipped version of his dad’s iconic No. 21. That says a lot without saying too much. He’s not copying, he’s not clinging. Instead, he’s choosing his own lane, and that’s where the real story begins. Hence, after experiencing his first jersey setback, he is requesting his fans to call him “12.” That kind of maturity says a lot.
Shedeur Sanders was once seen as a top prospect, but watching name after name get called before his in the draft had to sting. Still, he walked into rookie minicamp with his head high and work ethic louder than any words. He was one of the last guys off the field. And he is already stepping up and correcting teammates on team rules like a leader should. And now, with OTAs and preseason coming fast, he knows the pressure’s real. He’s got Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, and Dillon Gabriel in front of him, and reps won’t come easily. But every snap is a chance for him.
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