Could Shedeur Sanders’ Minicamp Moves Be the Browns’ Game-Changer This Season?

Shedeur Sanders may have been a fifth-round afterthought in April’s NFL Draft, but let me tell you, the buzz around him just won’t quit as he gears up for his first mandatory minicamp with the Cleveland Browns this week. It’s fascinating how a rookie’s journey can ignite so much chatter, especially when he’s sitting fourth on the QB depth chart, facing steep odds to make any immediate impact. Yet, here we are, watching Sanders try to carve out a role amidst veterans and fellow draft picks alike. The Browns’ quarterback scenario isn’t exactly airtight, with Joe Flacco expected to start but others like Dillon Gabriel and Kenny Pickett looming as possible heirs. Sanders’ challenge? To out-hustle, out-learn, and truly earn his stripes in this crowded battle for relevance. It’s a tough row to hoe, no doubt, but a spirited offseason could tilt the scales in his favor. If he’s serious about sticking around, better believe the time to prove himself is now — starting with a disciplined, laser-focused approach to becoming the ultimate backup. No sugarcoating it: the shelf life for late-round quarterbacks is razor thin in today’s game, especially on teams scrambling for stability under center. Sanders has a mountain to climb but also a shot to flip the script on NFL doubters who passed over him. The clock’s ticking, and his next moves will speak volumes. LEARN MORE

AdvertisementWhere they differ is the practicality of the investment and what that means for their immediate futures with the Browns. Gabriel’s investment as a top-100 draft pick means he will likely be getting the first chance at practice reps over Sanders — practice reps they both need. At least for Sanders’ sake, Flacco is the only one who has experience with this coaching staff, so Sanders and Gabriel will be starting off on a level playing field as far as their knowledge and experience of the offense.Advertisement

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Part of the reason there is so much excitement for Sanders is that the Browns’ quarterback room doesn’t appear to have an entrenched starter. Joe Flacco will presumably resume his role as the team’s starter, which he had for the latter part of 2023 season, when he helped lead the Browns to a playoff berth. Flacco’s experience within the offense, and experience in general, are going to be assets that the Browns lean on as they enter training camp. However, third-round pick Dillon Gabriel and Kenny Pickett are viewed as beatable for the primary backup job.

AdvertisementWhile there has been an onslaught of minicamp and OTAs coverage for Sanders, the truth of his situation still needs to be grappled with. He’s a fifth-round rookie, the second quarterback the Browns drafted and the fourth quarterback the Browns added this offseason. The Browns also have two first-round picks for next year’s draft, and they will likely use one to select a quarterback if this year goes poorly. If Sanders is going to make the most of his opportunities and secure a long-term role with his team, it needs to start now and with better preparation than he reportedly had during the pre-draft process.Advertisement