It was only a year ago that Shedeur Sanders was widely expected to be a first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Surprisingly, he remained available until the Cleveland Browns picked him up in the fifth round. This unexpected slide raised eyebrows and sparked discussions about Sanders’ approach during the predraft process.
League insider Adam Caplan recently shed light on the situation during an appearance on Cleveland's 92.3 The Fan. The buzz wasn't about off-field issues but rather about Sanders' commitment to becoming a franchise quarterback. Teams questioned whether he was fully dedicated to reaching his potential as a top-tier QB.
Despite these concerns, the Browns have been pleased with Sanders’ performance behind the scenes during his rookie year. The team has undergone significant changes, including the firing of head coach Kevin Stefanski and the hiring of Todd Monken, known for his work with quarterbacks. Monken is set to offer both Sanders and veteran Deshaun Watson a shot at the starting position this summer.
General Manager Andrew Berry seems to have faith in Sanders, making it clear to coaching candidates that Sanders is expected to be a key factor in the Browns’ quarterback plans. While no one is handing him the starting role, there's a strong belief in his talent. Caplan noted that if not for the character concerns, Sanders might have been a third-round pick at worst.
As the 2026 season approaches, Sanders’ on-field performance will be the true test. Whether he takes the reins as Cleveland's QB1 over Watson will depend on his ability to translate potential into results on the field.