Shedeur Sanders Shines at Browns OTA: NFL Scouts Take Notice of Colorado QB

By Jason Bolton June 13, 2025 11:56

Shedeur Sanders, the rookie quarterback from Colorado, has been turning heads during the Cleveland Browns' offseason training activities (OTAs), signaling that he may be a rising star in the NFL quarterback landscape. Despite being a fifth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft and currently listed fourth on the Browns' depth chart, Sanders has delivered standout performances that have caught the attention of coaches, teammates, and NFL scouts alike.

During the open portion of the Browns' OTAs, Sanders led all quarterbacks with an impressive stat line: completing 9 of 14 passes for over 100 yards, throwing three touchdowns and no interceptions in one session. This completion rate and touchdown production outpaced fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel and veterans Kenny Pickett and Joe Flacco, highlighting Sanders' poise and accuracy under pressure.

Head coach Kevin Stefanski has praised Sanders for his work ethic and maturity, describing him as "wired to get in early, stay late, and put in whatever work is required." Stefanski also noted Sanders' ability to absorb information, calling him "a sponge in the meeting room," which speaks to his mental preparation and readiness for the NFL's demands. Sanders' calm decision-making, smooth footwork, and precise throws have made a strong impression during drills, further enhancing his reputation as a quarterback with significant upside.

Off the field, Sanders has also made an impact through his community involvement and media interactions, demonstrating leadership qualities beyond the gridiron. Football analyst Andrew Siciliano remarked on Sanders' introspective nature and broader perspective on life, highlighting his cautionary advice to young athletes about social media's pitfalls. This maturity has endeared him to the Cleveland community and media, adding to his growing profile.

The Browns' quarterback competition is notably crowded, featuring veterans like Joe Flacco who led the Browns to a playoff appearance last season with strong stats, including an average of 323.2 passing yards per game and 13 touchdowns in five starts and Kenny Pickett, along with rookies Dillon Gabriel and Sanders. While Flacco currently holds the edge due to his experience and knowledge of the offense, Sanders’ OTA performances have sparked buzz that he could challenge the established hierarchy as training camp progresses.

Local media and insiders have been vocal about Sanders’ potential, with ESPN Cleveland radio host Tony Rizzo sharing that a source within the Browns organization called Sanders "the best quarterback in camp." Another analyst, Aaron Goldhammer, echoed this sentiment, suggesting Sanders might start the Browns’ Week 1 game if his development continues on this trajectory.

Statistically, Sanders’ OTA numbers stand out: a 64% completion rate, three touchdowns in limited reps, and over 100 passing yards in a single session. While he did throw an interception, his overall performance has been a bright spot for a Browns offense that struggled last season, ranking last in PFF offensive grade and expected points added per play.

As the Browns transition from OTAs to mandatory minicamp and eventually training camp, the quarterback competition will intensify. Sanders faces the challenge of proving himself against seasoned veterans and fellow rookies under increased defensive pressure. However, his early displays of talent, work ethic, and leadership suggest he is more than ready to compete at the highest level.

In summary, Shedeur Sanders is emerging as a compelling figure in the Browns’ quarterback battle. His blend of on-field skill, mental toughness, and off-field maturity has earned him respect and attention within the NFL community. If he continues to build on his OTA success, Sanders could quickly move up the depth chart and become a key player in Cleveland’s offensive future.