The Cleveland Browns knew their quarterback situation would be complicated heading into 2025, especially after selecting not one but two QBs — Dillion Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders — in the NFL Draft.
With Deshaun Watson recovering from Achilles surgery and uncertain about returning this season, the Browns have built one of the most crowded and unpredictable quarterback rooms in the league. Yet, Cleveland’s rookie minicamp offered the first real glimpse of what’s coming, which didn’t disappoint.
Veteran Joe Flacco, who invigorated Cleveland and its fans in 2023, returns after a one-year stint with the Indianapolis Colts. Kenny Pickett arrived via trade from the Philadelphia Eagles and is looking for another fresh start. Then came Gabriel (third round) and Sanders (fifth round) during the draft.
While their draft status may suggest a pecking order, that’s not how Bleacher Report’s Damian Parson sees it, arguing that the Colorado Buffaloes alum could become the Browns’ franchise QB.
NFL Analyst Predicts Shedeur Sanders Can Become Browns’ Franchise QB
Cleveland’s quarterback decision is going to be interesting given the multitude of options and how different they are from one another. It’s possible that Cleveland could trade one of the QBs at some point before the season starts, as they would likely want just three on the roster.
Sanders is the youngest QB on the roster, but according to Parson, he impressed in rookie minicamp. He also noted that Sanders’ impact was being felt financially, making him a strong case to become a franchise QB if his collegiate play translates well to the NFL.
“Sanders is the most popular signal-caller on the roster and will put butts in seats if he plays,” Parson wrote on May 19. “He ranks third in rookie jersey sales — Gabriel is not inside the top 10. Sanders’ impact is being felt financially — even though he hasn’t played a down of real NFL football — and on social media, as posts about him receive a high level of engagement from supporters and detractors.
“On the field, Sanders has shown high-level accuracy and anticipation during the rookie minicamp seven-on-seven throwing drills. He is getting the ball out with precision and shows good placement. Who the Browns’ franchise QB will be is unknown, but Sanders has the most passing skill and potential on their roster to earn that title,” he continued.
Shedeur Sanders reportedly had Browns coaches “shocked” at his precision and accuracy with the short time they had with him at rookie minicamp.
Sanders reportedly was throwing the ball with the “touch” of a 10-year NFL veteran.
Sanders reportedly has “goals” of winning the QB1… pic.twitter.com/DTo3kUCKMY
— NFL Rookie Watch (@NFLRookieWatxh)
“The majority of Day 3 picks don’t get the opportunity to take a prominent role in year one. Sanders is not a typical fifth-round pick and could become an immediate starter and impact player.”
At Colorado, Sanders showed he has the talent to be a starting quarterback in the NFL. Last season, he completed 74% of his passes for 4,134 yards and 37 touchdowns to 10 interceptions. He went on to win the 2024 Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year award.
Sanders made his presence felt at Cleveland’s rookie minicamp as well. He was consistently one of the last players off the field, putting extra time on mechanics and footwork.
Gabriel may have looked a bit more polished at times, and Flacco’s experience is hard to overlook. However, Sanders’ energy, arm strength, and leadership caught the attention of his coaches and teammates alike. If he keeps up that momentum, it won’t be a surprise if he earns the starting job in Week 1.