FS1's Lesean McCoy says Shedeur Sanders "looks like the best player out of the whole camp” at Browns minicamp

Over the weekend, Sanders participated in his first NFL action at the Cleveland Browns rookie minicamp, and while it was a controlled, non-contact setting, several analysts came away impressed with what they saw. Among the most vocal: FS1 personality and former Pro Bowl running back LeSean McCoy.

"They told me he looked like the best player out of the whole camp,” McCoy said during a segment on The Facility. “His mindset ain’t to be in no backup role with these dudes. He’s here to start."

LeSean McCoy on The Facility

You can see the confidence radiating off Shedeur already. And Browns fans, maybe for the first time in a long time, are excited about a rookie quarterback.

Early standout in Berea

According to The Athletic’s Zac Jackson, who attended both open practice sessions in Berea, Sanders clearly stood out from the rest of the quarterback group—particularly when compared to fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel.

"In just throwing the ball, it’s not close: Shedeur Sanders,” Jackson said on The Ultimate Cleveland Sports Show. “But let me counter that by saying this is rookie minicamp. No pads, no full-speed competition."

Zac Jackson, The Athletic

Still, Jackson's takeaway aligned with multiple reports from the weekend, with Sanders’ accuracy and pocket presence receiving high marks from local and national media.

The Browns coaching staff, led by Kevin Stefanski and new offensive coordinator Tommy Rees, will continue to evaluate both rookie quarterbacks over the summer. For now, the initial impression leans in Sanders’ favor.

Context matters

It’s worth noting that rookie minicamps don’t paint the full picture. The sessions are typically limited to non-contact 7-on-7 drills, and the level of competition can vary significantly. Still, for a player whose draft slide raised eyebrows, Shedeur's early success is meaningful.

Browns GM Andrew Berry said evaluations won’t hinge solely on rookie minicamp performances, emphasizing the long runway ahead.

“It’s probably less about rookie minicamp and more about really taking advantage of opportunities over the next four months,” Berry said during a radio appearance on 92.3 The Fan in Cleveland.

Familiar chip on the shoulder

Colorado fans have seen this version of Sanders before. Calm, composed, and competitive—even in environments where he’s counted out. In Cleveland, he seems to be approaching his NFL journey with the same level of preparation.

McCoy echoed that mindset.

“I was always taught, I don’t care if it’s minicamp, real camp, fake camp, be the best in everything you do,” McCoy said. “That’s how I was raised, and Shedeur clearly has that mentality.”

Next steps

Sanders still has a long way to go before securing a spot on the Browns depth chart—let alone competing for the starting role. But in a quarterback room with no long-term guarantees, and with Watson still recovering from a major Achilles injury, opportunity could come sooner than expected.

For now Buffs fans, let's take pride in his strong debut. Sanders represented the black and gold well this weekend, and with minicamp in the books, all eyes now turn toward OTAs and training camp.

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