Shedeur Sanders finally heard his name called during the NFL Draft, a sigh of relief after a perplexing slide to the fifth round. Now on the Cleveland Browns, the road ahead is anything but clear. With Deshaun Watson's future uncertain due to injury, the competition in the quarterback room is fierce, featuring veterans Joe Flacco and others. Sanders, despite his pedigree, finds himself at the bottom of the depth chart, where rookies Dillon Gabriel and himself are battling for scraps. CBS reporter Aditi Kinkhabwala raised concerns about Sanders' chances of making the active roster, suggesting he may end up on the practice squad.

In a landscape where expectation meets reality, Sanders will need to outperform Gabriel and show he has the potential to rise above established veterans like Flacco. Kinkhabwala's insights reflect the gravity of the situation: the path to becoming a starting quarterback in the NFL is fraught with challenges, especially for a rookie in a crowded field. Ultimately, Sanders' journey will be defined by his ability to learn and adapt quickly, as the Browns reshuffle their quarterback hierarchy.

After a successful draft, the Cleveland Browns added quarterback Shedeur Sanders, selected with the 144th overall pick in the fifth round, to their roster, indicating a significant commitment to improving their quarterback position. General Manager Andrew Berry actively sought to trade up for Sanders, starting from the fourth round of the draft. Despite having already picked Dillon Gabriel in the third round, the Browns could not pass on Sanders due to his impressive pre-draft evaluations, with multiple teams reportedly rating him higher than where he was ultimately selected.

With Deshaun Watson set to miss most, if not all, of the 2025 season following Achilles injuries, the Browns now enter a quarterback competition involving Sanders, Gabriel, Joe Flacco, and Kenny Pickett. This fresh infusion of talent raises the stakes within the team as they navigate a potentially rough season ahead.

Cleveland Browns general manager Andrew Berry made headlines during the 2025 NFL Draft when he selected Shedeur Sanders, the record-setting quarterback from the University of Colorado, with the 144th overall pick. After a surprising drop in the draft, which saw him become the sixth quarterback taken, Sanders was excited to join a Browns team desperately seeking stability at the quarterback position.

Despite being viewed as a potential first-round pick earlier in the cycle, Sanders faced scrutiny due to perceived issues during team interviews and an overall lackluster predraft process. The Browns, however, saw significant value in Sanders and traded up to secure him, marking a pivotal moment in his journey. As he enters a competitive quarterback room with Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel, and the recovering Deshaun Watson, Sanders is determined to prove doubters wrong and establish himself as a franchise quarterback.

Cade Klubnik, the standout quarterback from Clemson, is projected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft by ESPN analyst Jordan Reid. The Cleveland Browns, who have struggled at the quarterback position since trading for Deshaun Watson, may look to Klubnik as a long-term solution. After a stellar season in 2024 with over 3,600 passing yards and impressive decision-making, there's growing excitement around his potential.

Reid also noted Clemson's defensive talents, with Peter Woods and T.J. Parker expected to be top 10 picks. Woods brings a powerful presence at 6'3'' and 315 pounds, while Parker’s versatility in pass rush makes him a coveted prospect. Avieon Terrell is another name to watch as he could sneak into the end of the first round.

Cam Newton, an NFL icon, offers insightful advice to Shedeur Sanders, the newly drafted quarterback for the Cleveland Browns. After a fall to the fifth round from projected first-round status, Newton emphasizes the need for Sanders to adopt a quarterback's mindset, contrasting it with the swagger typically associated with his father, Deion Sanders, a legendary defensive back. He outlines the 'super six' relationships Sanders must cultivate within the Browns organization to ascend the depth chart in a competitive environment.

Newton's counsel comes with high expectations, highlighting the need for Sanders to connect with key figures, including the owner, general manager, and head coach, among others. Newton believes that with hard work and focus, Sanders can become a starting quarterback for the Browns, especially considering the current competition, which includes established players like Joe Flacco and Deshaun Watson.