All eyes shifted towards the team’s four-man quarterback competition when the Cleveland Browns took the field for mandatory minicamp from June 10-12. With a blend of veterans and rookies, this competition has quickly become one of the most compelling storylines of the offseason.
Despite dropping to the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, former Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders is in the mix to begin the season as QB1 in Cleveland. However, according to one Browns legend, the rookie must stay humble and be open to criticism throughout this process.
Browns Legend Joe Thomas Doesn’t Hold Back on Rookie Shedeur Sanders
Hall of Fame offensive tackle Joe Thomas spent all 11 seasons of his career with the Browns, quickly becoming one of the franchise’s most revered players. He finished his career as an eight-time All-Pro (including six first-team selections) and made 10 consecutive Pro Bowl appearances to begin his career (the only offensive lineman to do so).
His accolades have made him one of the most respected voices in the Browns organization. When asked what advice he would give to Sanders, the first-ballot Hall of Famer did not hold back.
“The best advice that I got as a rookie, and I think the best advice that still holds true, is keep your mouth closed and eyes and ears open,” Thomas stated during a recent appearance on ESPN Cleveland. “Be humble, always diffuse praise, and always assume any criticism and accept it.”
“The best thing he can do is just go to work every single day,” Thomas added. “Get a little bit better. Get better at one thing … Then, at the end of the day, go back and be very critical. The mirror test. Look yourself in the mirror and be the most harsh critic of yourself and your game.”
Does Sanders Have a Real Shot at Playing Time in Cleveland?
Despite being drafted 144th overall, Sanders has a realistic shot at early playing time this season. Starting quarterback Deshaun Watson is expected to miss the entire regular season after re-tearing his Achilles, leaving head coach Kevin Stefanski with major decisions to make at the position.
In addition to Sanders, the Browns’ quarterback depth chart features 40-year-old veteran Joe Flacco, journeyman Kenny Pickett, and third-round rookie Dillon Gabriel.
Flacco will likely enter training camp as the projected starter, with Gabriel’s draft capital giving him an early edge in the rookie competition. However, the Browns aren’t ruling anything out, and Sanders will be in the mix if he continues to impress.
While Robert Griffin III’s recent claim that Sanders is a “first-round quarterback” might be an overstatement, most observers agree that Sanders has more upside than the typical fifth-round pick. Off-field dynamics, particularly his father’s influence, likely contributed to his slide in the draft.
Now that he’s in the NFL, Sanders must leave those scars behind him to focus on winning the Browns’ quarterback competition. According to Thomas, the first step in reaching that goal is to remain humble, accept criticism, and put in the work. Seems simple enough.