The Cleveland Browns’ quarterback room is suddenly the most crowded and intriguing in the NFL. After a dramatic slide in the 2025 NFL Draft, Shedeur Sanders, once projected as a first-rounder, landed in Cleveland in the fifth round-a move that could reshape the team’s future under center. Despite entering a competition with veterans and fellow rookies, Sanders has a clear path to emerge as the Browns’ starting quarterback this season. Here’s why.
A Crowded Room, But a Clear Opportunity
The Browns’ QB depth chart is stacked with names: Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel, and the injured Deshaun Watson. On paper, Sanders starts as the fourth option, but context tells a different story. Watson, the presumed starter, is expected to miss most or all of 2025 after a second Achilles tear. Flacco, at 40, is a stopgap who was signed to provide veteran stability but isn’t a long-term solution. Pickett, acquired from the Eagles, has struggled with consistency and turnovers throughout his career, while Gabriel, a third-round rookie, is seen more as a developmental backup than a future franchise leader.
In short, the Browns have quantity, not quality, at quarterback. The door is wide open for Sanders to seize the job if he impresses in camp and preseason action.
Elite College Production and NFL Traits
Sanders' college résumé is among the most decorated in recent memory. In over 50 career starts at Jackson State and Colorado, he threw for 14,347 yards, 134 touchdowns, and just 27 interceptions, completing 70.1% of his passes. In 2024, he set Colorado single-season records for passing yards (4,134), touchdowns (37), and completion percentage (74.0%), all while playing behind a porous offensive line and with very little weaponry beyond Travis Hunter.
His game is built on accuracy and poise. Sanders is hailed as one of the purest pocket passers in his class, dissecting defenses with accuracy, timing, and ball placement. He does a great job of taking receivers away from coverage and away from big hits-traits that translate well to the NFL. He's also shown toughness, absorbing 99 sacks over his final two seasons but continuing to produce under pressure.
A System That Fits
Head coach Kevin Stefanski’s offense is designed to maximize quarterbacks who can make quick decisions and accurate throws in the short-to-intermediate game. Sanders’ skill set-particularly his ability to read defenses and deliver with anticipation-fits this system perfectly. Stefanski has helped quarterbacks like Kirk Cousins and Baker Mayfield thrive, and Sanders’ strengths align with what has worked in Cleveland before.
Motivation and Maturity
Sanders’ unexpected draft slide has only fueled his motivation. “Thank you to the Browns organization for giving me a chance-that’s all I need,” Sanders said after being picked. “My main goal is to show Stefanski and Mr. Berry that they made the right choice in selecting me. I want to prove that I’m a solid draft pick for them”. His maturity and focus on football-not the noise around his draft position-have impressed Browns brass and fans alike.
The Browns’ Need for a Fresh Start
Cleveland’s quarterback situation has been in flux for years, and owner Jimmy Haslam recently called the Watson trade a “big swing-and-miss.” With Watson’s future in doubt and no clear long-term answer, the Browns need a young, high-upside quarterback to build around. Sanders, with his production, poise, and leadership, offers exactly that..
The Bottom Line
While Sanders will have to earn the job in a competitive camp, his combination of elite college production, NFL-ready traits, and a favorable offensive scheme give him a real shot to start as a rookie. In a room full of question marks, Shedeur Sanders stands out as the Browns’ best hope for stability and success at quarterback in 2025. If he delivers, Cleveland may finally have its franchise QB.
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