Shedeur Sanders made his case on the field during his Cleveland Browns debut, but one NFL analyst believes the team’s depth chart still doesn’t reflect what fans saw in Week 1 of the preseason.
Despite an impressive showing against the Carolina Panthers, Sanders remains behind Dillon Gabriel in the quarterback hierarchy — a decision that has sparked debate about whether the Browns are letting draft position cloud their judgment.
Why Does Chris Broussard Think Shedeur Sanders Deserves a Higher Spot Than Dillon Gabriel?
The Browns entered the 2025 offseason with one clear mission: find stability at quarterback. The position has been in complete disarray since Deshaun Watson’s arrival, with consecutive injuries and disappointing performances preventing the franchise from reaching its potential.
That uncertainty led to an open competition featuring multiple contenders.
Veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett joined the mix alongside rookies Gabriel and Sanders, creating an unusual situation where the same team drafted two quarterbacks in the middle rounds. The competition intensified when both young players got opportunities to prove themselves during training camp and preseason action.
Analyst Chris Broussard clarified his position, arguing that Sanders has already done enough to earn the third spot on Cleveland’s depth chart ahead of Gabriel. The veteran media personality pointed to everything observers have witnessed throughout the offseason as evidence supporting his stance.
“I do think Shedeur should be third,” Broussard said. “Dillon should be fourth… He’s not a first-round pick. We’re treating him like ‘oh, he’s a third-round pick, Shedeur is a fifth.’ I mean, I get there some difference, but, and by all reports now, it looks like Shedeur has outplayed him in the practices.”
The circumstances surrounding both quarterbacks’ development have played a significant role in shaping this debate. Gabriel struggled with a hamstring injury that severely limited his participation during training camp, creating more opportunities for Sanders to showcase his abilities.
Those extra reps became crucial when Sanders stepped onto the field for the preseason opener.
How Did Sanders’ Preseason Performance Change the Conversation?
Sanders didn’t need to be spectacular to make his point against Carolina. He simply needed to look comfortable and competent, which he accomplished throughout his time on the field.
His solid and confident performance resulted in completing 14 of 23 passes for 138 yards and two touchdowns, numbers that told the story of a quarterback ready for increased responsibility.
SHEDEUR SANDERS FULL HIGHLIGHTS:
14-23, 138, 2 TD, 106.8 rating
LEGENDARY. @ShedeurSanders pic.twitter.com/xNJiid4wWS
— GUCCE🦬🐦⬛ (@gucceCU) August 9, 2025
The performance becomes even more impressive when considering the context. Sanders operated without the benefit of extensive first-team reps during practice, yet he managed the game effectively and showed the poise that made him successful at Colorado. His ability to find the end zone twice demonstrated red zone efficiency that every team values.
Meanwhile, Gabriel’s injury-shortened preparation became a significant factor in the evaluation process. While he avoided any major setbacks, the missed practice time prevented him from building the rhythm and timing necessary to excel in live game situations.
That disadvantage may have cost him valuable ground in what appeared to be a close competition.
What’s Really Behind Cleveland’s Reluctance to Move Sanders Up?
The deeper issue may stem from organizational pride and decision-making philosophy. Cleveland’s coaching staff and scouting department clearly preferred Gabriel during the draft process, selecting him in the third round while waiting until the fifth to pick Sanders.
That initial evaluation created expectations and internal momentum that became difficult to overcome.
From Broussard’s perspective, the Browns appear set in their assessment of both players, regardless of what unfolds on the field. Sanders’ limited opportunities with the first-team offense and his later draft selection support this theory, suggesting the organization remains committed to their original evaluation despite mounting evidence to the contrary.
However, early training camp reports indicated Sanders hadn’t definitively separated himself from Gabriel in the competition. While Gabriel didn’t excel during minicamp and initial practices, Sanders also hadn’t clearly established himself as the superior option. The injury situation changed those dynamics significantly.
The upcoming preseason games will provide additional opportunities for both quarterbacks to make their cases. Cleveland faces the Philadelphia Eagles on the road next Saturday, August 16, before closing the preseason at home against the Los Angeles Rams on August 23.
These contests will determine whether Sanders can maintain his momentum and potentially climb the depth chart.
While Joe Flacco remains the overwhelming favorite for the starting position, Sanders’ trajectory could change rapidly if his strong play continues. The Browns may discover that their fifth-round pick has more immediate value than their third-round selection, forcing them to reconsider their initial assessments and adjust accordingly.
Still, despite the fierce quarterback competition, another note has been the injuries that the quarterbacks have sustained thus far. Flacco, the 40-year-old veteran, is the only passer not to get banged up so far. On Tuesday, it was announced that Sanders is battling an oblique injury, but as of 1 p.m. ET, there isn’t a clear recovery timeline just yet.
