The Cleveland Browns have a full quarterback room. But it’s the rookie from Boulder who continues to garner respect from this analyst.
According to former Pro Bowl running back LeSean McCoy, Shedeur Sanders isn’t just playing well—he is already the best quarterback on the field.
“The whispers over there basically are, ‘Hey man, he looks like the best quarterback here,’” McCoy said this week on The Facility. “He’s young, he’s gotta learn the experience part. Fifth-rounder, so we gotta make him earn it. But the truth is, he’s the best quarterback.”
McCoy says this feedback is coming directly from inside the Browns locker room—including “key players,” not just coaches or scouts.
Earning Respect the Right Way
McCoy’s comments come just days after Browns wide receiver Jerry Jeudy publicly praised Sanders, calling him “a great young quarterback” and “a tremendous teammate.” Those kinds of unsolicited endorsements don’t usually happen for fifth-round picks—especially not in May and June.
As Shedeur is still learning the playbook and adjusting to NFL speed, earning the respect of veterans like Jeudy is a massive first step. And for Sanders, that seems to be happening fast.
"This is not just words from coaches or scouts. It’s from players. And I mean key players."LeSean McCoy on FSI The Facility
Sanders’ poise and professionalism were on full display on Wednesday, went he went 11-for-11 and threw 2 touchdowns. Video of him slicing through defenders and making a perfect throw, shows just how prepared and ahead of schedule he is.
Fundamentals are off the charts
While OTAs are non-contact, controlled environments, they still offer glimpses of a quarterback’s mechanics, command, and ability to lead. And so far, Sanders has dominated in that aspect.
His accuracy and pocket presence are elite, particularly when compared to Gabriel and Pickett. Zac Jackson of The Athletic said bluntly last month: “In just throwing the ball, it’s not close: Shedeur Sanders.”
The Browns coaching staff, led by Kevin Stefanski and new offensive coordinator Tommy Rees, have been clear that no job will be handed out this summer. But if Sanders continues this pace, it will be difficult to keep him off the field.
Long Road Ahead, but a Strong Start
McCoy summed it up best:
“He’s gotta earn it. But the whispers? They’re saying he’s the best one out there.”
It’s still early in the offseason, and Shedeur isn’t guaranteed a roster spot, let alone the starting job. But every indication suggests he’s earned the respect of the room—and that’s often the hardest part.
As the Browns continue their offseason program, Shedeur's trajectory just continues to skyrocket, and each day it seems like there is a new analyst predicting Sheduer will be the Browns QB this season. Whether it's Week 1 or Week 7, having a first-round QB fall to you in the fifth-round, is what McCoy called, a blessing.
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