The Cleveland Browns made a significant decision during the 2025 NFL Draft by selecting quarterback Shedeur Sanders in the fifth round, an unexpected slide from a player initially projected to go much earlier. Recent insights reveal that Sanders' interview approach may have contributed to his drop. According to a general manager, he approached the pre-draft process as if he were being 'recruited' rather than interviewed, which raised concerns among teams.

Now, as Sanders joins the Browns, he faces a daunting four-way quarterback competition that includes fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel, former first-round pick Kenny Pickett, and veteran Joe Flacco. This situation could define his early career, and there are already speculations about the Browns potentially targeting another quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft. However, Sanders has shown commitment to the Cleveland community, which could play a crucial role in his development as he aims to revitalize his career.

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.

The 2025 NFL Draft witnessed a shocking turn as Shedeur Sanders, once projected as the second overall pick, fell to the Cleveland Browns in the fifth round, selected 144th overall. His draft stock plummeted due to lackluster interviews and skipping the NFL combine. In Cleveland, Sanders will compete with Deshaun Watson, Joe Flacco, and fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel for the starting quarterback position. Despite the stiff competition, Sanders is determined to make an impact, stating his goal to bring a Super Bowl to Cleveland.

The Cleveland Browns made headlines with their decision to trade up for Shedeur Sanders, selecting the quarterback with the 144th pick in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. This move has ignited a debate among analysts regarding Sanders' future in Cleveland, where he will compete against a crowded quarterback room that includes Deshaun Watson, Joe Flacco, Dillon Gabriel, and Kenny Pickett.

While some pundits see Sanders as a potential franchise quarterback, others doubt his chances of even making the roster. Speculation abounds around the possibility of the Browns trading or releasing him if he fails to impress during training camp. One intriguing scenario suggests he could be sent to the Jacksonville Jaguars to reunite with Travis Hunter, his former Colorado teammate. However, with Trevor Lawrence established as the starter and Nick Mullens as the backup, Sanders would face a challenging path to playing time.

The Cleveland Browns are set for an intriguing quarterback competition this offseason, particularly with Deshaun Watson's Achilles injury potentially sidelining him in 2025. In response, the front office has assembled a diverse group of quarterbacks, including veteran Joe Flacco, who previously won NFL Comeback Player of the Year with the franchise in 2023. The Browns also traded for Kenny Pickett and drafted Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders, marking the first time since 1971 an NFL team picked two quarterbacks in the first five rounds.

With four quarterbacks now competing for the starting position, it is uncertain who will emerge as QB1 for Week 1. FanDuel Sportsbook has Joe Flacco as the favorite, followed closely by Kenny Pickett. Shedeur Sanders’ odds are notably better than those of Dillon Gabriel, raising questions about the Browns' decision-making in the draft process.