When Shedeur Sanders stepped onto the field at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus for Browns OTAs, few have expected him to outshine the veterans. But that’s exactly what he is doing.
The former Colorado Buffaloes quarterback turned in a perfect 10-for-10 passing day today, racking up 140 yards and two touchdowns during team drills. If this were in a preseason game, he would be named the starting quarterback for the season.
Let’s look at the numbers
Shedeur Sanders: 10/10, 140 yards, 2 TDs
Joe Flacco: 10/12, 115 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Kenny Pickett: 11/14, 102 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Dillon Gabriel: 8/12, 73 yards, 0 TDs, 1 INT
This stat sheet doesn’t lie. And while OTAs don’t guarantee anything, performances like this should open some eyes—especially when it comes from a "fifth-round pick". Just watch this absolute dart he threw today, slicing defenders for one of his two touchdowns.
Shedeur looks comfortable—and confident
For Buffs fans who watched every snap of Sanders' college career, this level of play isn’t new. The throws he can make are absolutely incredible. That touchdown today proves it.
Now in Cleveland, surrounded by NFL talent and protected by a better offensive line, his timing and touch are going to blow people away.
There’s also something else you can notice when watching Shedeur work—he’s not rattled. Not by the media, not by the veterans, and not by the weight of being Deion Sanders’ son. In a quarterback room that includes a Super Bowl MVP, Sanders has looked as poised as any of them.
“He’s a great young quarterback,” said Browns wide receiver Jerry Jeudy on Monday, who’s entering his second season in Cleveland. “He’s a great dude. I’m excited to have him on our team.”
That praise came during a youth football camp, unsolicited and authentic. Jeudy has caught passes from over 10 different quarterbacks since entering the league in 2020. When he singles someone out, it should matter.
Stefanski is watching closely
Head coach Kevin Stefanski is tasked with sorting through the most crowded quarterback room in the NFL. With Deshaun Watson likely sidelined for the season following a re-ruptured achilles, the Browns will head into camp with four signal-callers vying for reps.
“Those guys are doing great,” Stefanski said of Sanders and Gabriel. “They’re wired to get in early, stay late, put in whatever work is required. They’re sponges in the meeting room. It’s fun to watch.”
Stefanski pointed out that having veterans like Flacco, Pickett, and even Watson in the room gives the younger quarterbacks an edge. They’re soaking up wisdom, asking questions, and observing how professionals carry themselves.
But from what we’re seeing, Sanders isn’t just learning—he’s executing.
Shedeur isn’t just proving himself in Cleveland. He’s proving a point—one throw at a time.
It’s been special to watch his growth each day at OTAs. For the Browns, this should be the beginning of something they didn’t see coming.
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