There has never been a fifth-round quarterback under more scrutiny than Cleveland Browns rookie Shedeur Sanders. Despite being a low draft pick, Sanders’ college stardom and status as the son of NFL legend Deion Sanders have put him in the spotlight.
Many believe he should be the team’s starter, but one former NFL quarterback says the traits that caused him to slide in the 2025 Draft were on full display during the Browns’ preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams this past weekend.
Former NFL QB Says Shedeur Sanders’ College Habits Showed in Preseason Struggle
Sanders had one final chance to impress the Browns’ coaching staff on Saturday in the team’s last preseason game against the Rams. Cleveland had already named veteran Joe Flacco as the starter for the 2025 season, but Sanders has been competing with Kenny Pickett and fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel for depth chart positioning.
Unfortunately, Sanders’ performance against the Rams was underwhelming, as he completed just three passes for 14 yards and took five sacks. While many have blamed the offensive line for his struggles, former NFL quarterback Dan Orlovsky explained on ESPN’s “Get Up” that the bad habits that troubled Sanders in college have continued to be an issue in the NFL.
Shedeurs tape this weekend looked like the concerns from college tape:
-catch the snap wait for the OL and than move
-holding to hold
-bailing backwards @Browns @GetUpESPN pic.twitter.com/ObY1ZSX6FE— Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7) August 25, 2025
“The bad habits and some of the traits we saw show up in college were very prevalent this past weekend against the Rams,” Orlovsky said. “Holding on to the football, catching the snap, and not reading the defense, kind of evaluating what the defensive line is doing, and then trying to see if you can go make a play, and that’s the concern.”
Orlovsky isn’t wrong. While some believe there were other reasons for Sanders’ slide in the 2025 NFL Draft, the reality is he wasn’t considered a first-round talent. Despite the hype, his game had noticeable flaws coming out of college, and teams didn’t see him as a franchise-caliber starter.
Sanders’ biggest issue at Colorado was his pocket movement and holding the ball too long. He consistently drifted back in the pocket, and while that worked in college, as Orlovsky notes, it’s much harder to pull off in the NFL. It puts unnecessary stress on the offensive line and leaves him vulnerable to sacks.
There is plenty to like about Sanders. He’s a competitor, confident in his game, and accurate with the ball. However, the issues Orlovsky highlights explain why he currently sits behind Pickett and Gabriel on the depth chart.
It’s still early in his career, and with proper coaching, Sanders should be able to correct his old habits. For now, though, he remains a project not ready to lead an NFL franchise.
The Browns open the 2025 season on Sunday, September 7, against AFC North rival Cincinnati.
