The Cleveland Browns are currently in the midst of one of the most intriguing quarterback competitions in recent memory. As they head into training camp, their quarterback room includes veteran Joe Flacco, newly acquired Kenny Pickett, and rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders.
Despite sliding to the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Sanders hopes to emerge as the Browns’ QB1. But according to one team reporter, he’s got a steep climb ahead.
Browns Reporter Gives Update on QB Depth Chart, Shedeur Sanders’ Role
The former Colorado quarterback has gone viral multiple times this offseason, but Sanders has reportedly been trailing Pickett and Gabriel in the Browns’ quarterback competition.
According to Cleveland.com’s Ashley Bastock, Pickett received most of the first-team reps during the team’s mandatory minicamp and is currently the favorite to begin the season under center.
“Pickett got a majority of first-team reps, and I think he’s still at the top,” Bastock reported. “If I had to guess at the rest of the pecking order, in order it would be: Gabriel, Flacco, Sanders.”
With Flacco, who is 40 years old, taking fewer reps, Pickett and Gabriel “were given more to do in terms of experimenting as the Browns install this offense,” while Sanders did not receive any snaps with the first-team offense.
Despite the preliminary depth chart, Sanders still has a chance to see the field. Starting quarterback Deshaun Watson is expected to miss the entire regular season after re-tearing his Achilles, leaving head coach Kevin Stefanski with a tough call at the position.
Pickett is the likely frontrunner heading into camp, while Gabriel’s draft status gives him an early leg up. Still, the Browns aren’t ruling anything out, and Sanders could work his way into the mix if he keeps progressing.
Shedeur Sanders throwing darts @ShedeurSanders 🔥🚀
pic.twitter.com/WIMOdkjG0r— Buddy Boy Bets (@Buddyboybets) June 10, 2025
Robert Griffin III claims that Sanders is a “first-round quarterback,” which might be a stretch, though most scouts agree that Sanders offers more upside than the average fifth-rounder. His drop in the draft likely had more to do with off-field dynamics, including his father’s influence, than with on-field talent.
Bastock notes that Sanders “made the most of the reps he got with the reserves and even elevated other undrafted players like Gage Larvadain,” a former South Carolina wide receiver, but this latest news should temper expectations for Sanders. While he may eventually earn snaps, he is a long shot to start the season at the top of the depth chart.