This NFL analyst says Shedeur Sanders is a “perfect fit” and exactly what Cleveland’s been waiting for

Let’s just say it: Shedeur Sanders isn’t playing like a fifth-round pick.

In fact, if you ask former NFL quarterback and ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky, he’s doing the opposite. On Monday’s episode of Get Up, Orlovsky called Sanders “perfect" for Kevin Stefanski’s system in Cleveland, going as far as to say he could force the Browns’ hand if his development continues at this pace.

“He’s perfect for the under-center, play-action, control-the-line-of-scrimmage type offense,” Orlovsky said. “He’s got to speed up his progressions, but he’s built for this.”

Coming from a 12-year NFL veteran, Orlovsky doesn't have a ton of good takes, but this one is a real evaluation.

“The way he processes…”

That’s been a theme early in Browns camp. Orlovsky explained that Sanders is making strong strides in an area where many young QBs struggle — applying concepts quickly.

“The way that he can see something on the board, take it to a walkthrough, and then bring it to practice — that’s seeing fast,” Orlovsky said.

That kind of cognitive speed is what separates career backups from long-term starters. It's what Tom Brady said was his advantage. And if Shedeur keeps processing like that when the pads come on, Cleveland’s crowded quarterback room might look a little less crowded real soon.

Is Sanders the end of the Cleveland quarterback carousel?

It’s no secret — the Browns haven’t had anything even close to stability under center.

Since returning to the league in 1999, Cleveland has started over 40 different quarterbacks, including names like Tim Couch, Johnny Manziel, and Baker Mayfield. And while Mayfield did end the playoff drought in 2020, that spark quickly faded.

Now the Browns are sitting on a 3-14 record from 2024 and a roster loaded with question marks. Deshaun Watson is still recovering from a torn achilles, Joe Flacco is 40, Kenny Pickett is trying to reboot his career, and Dillon Gabriel, like Shedeur, is a rookie trying to prove he belongs.

But if reports out of OTAs are accurate — that Shedeur’s been the sharpest of the bunch — the Browns may have stumbled into a franchise quarterback… by accident.

Built for the spotlight

Let’s not ignore the off-field part of Shedeur’s appeal, either.

He’s not just a quarterback. He’s a brand — the face of Beats by Dre, Gatorade, and Polo Ralph Lauren. His signature watch celebration, is now being mimicked by the likes of Caitlin Clark in WNBA warmups.

In today’s NFL, that matters. Teams aren’t just looking for talent — they’re looking for someone who can carry a locker room, speak to the media, and represent the franchise in the social media era.

Shedeur checks every one of those boxes.

What needs to happen next

Shedeur’s arm strength and timing do still need refining, according to early reports. He has floated a few balls in practice that nearly got picked. But those are correctable with reps.

The more important question is whether Stefanski gives him a real shot at the job — or chooses to ride with a veteran Week 1 against Cincinnati. Either way, the pressure isn’t on Sanders. It’s on the Browns not to overthink this.

If you’ve watched Shedeur closely — from Jackson State to Colorado to Cleveland — then you know one thing: he figures it out. He adjusts. He delivers. And he brings his own kind of calm to the chaos.

Now he’s in a city starved for quarterback consistency. And like it or not, the kid from Boulder is the best chance Cleveland has had in a long, long time.

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