Shedeur Sanders isn’t just any rookie stepping onto an NFL field. From the moment Cleveland Browns fans knew he would be in the mix, the hype has been off the charts. Sanders drew more eyes than most, especially for a fifth-round pick, because people wanted to see if all the noise from his Colorado days would actually mean something in the pros.
How Will Shedeur Sanders Respond to NFL Veterans Like Myles Garrett?
This curiosity has stretched beyond the fanbase, with players like Myles Garrett making sure Sanders doesn’t forget he’s still just a rookie. The talk really started swirling after Sanders took a tumble in the draft. He was once seen as a top-five pick, but questions about his attitude sent him sliding all the way down to the later rounds.
So, the Browns head into the 2024-25 campaign with a quarterback room that’s causing a lot of conversation. Veterans Kenny Pickett and Joe Flacco carry most of the experience, but now they’ve got Sanders and third-round pick Dillon Gabriel learning the ropes behind them.
The first preseason clash against the Carolina Panthers was a can’t-miss event. Everyone counted down to Sanders’ first snaps, eager to see how he’d handle NFL pressure.
When it comes to welcoming rookies the hard way, Garrett doesn’t hold back. Sanders may have faced strong defenses in college with the Buffaloes, but going up against Garrett, who stands 6-foot-4 and weighs in at 272 pounds, is a whole different football reality.
During that preseason matchup, Sanders and Garrett shared a moment on the sidelines. Sanders asked Garrett if his spin move would work on the star edge rusher. Garrett smiled, saying it’s a good move, but not one that’s going to fool him.
MYLES GARRETT LEAPS THE LINE FOR THE BLOCKED FG !!! pic.twitter.com/HYRhd0DkJY
— McNeil (@Reflog_18) October 22, 2023
“I’m just looking at how to get upfield on you. I’mma send you back to where my guys are. You’re trying to get up and out of me. If I cut that off, where are you going to go? Imma chase you down,” said Garrett with a chuckle.
Sanders couldn’t help but laugh. He wanted to know what it feels like to take one of Garrett’s swipes, just to see if he could break free.
Garrett shook his head, telling Sanders, “Well, you’re a good kid. I don’t want to have to hurt you, bro. We’re going to need you, bro.”
Sanders impressed in his first preseason game. He completed 14 of 23 passes for 138 yards and two touchdowns in nearly three full quarters. In addition, he rushed for 19 yards on four carries and was sacked only once.
