Cleveland Browns Rookie QB Shedeur Sanders Faces Intense Competition Amid Draft Drop

Shedeur Sanders, a fifth-round pick by the Cleveland Browns in the 2024 NFL Draft, is facing a challenging start to his NFL career amid intense scrutiny and competition at quarterback. Despite falling to the 144th overall pick and being second-string to Dillon Gabriel in rookie minicamp, Sanders is focused on learning the playbook and proving himself without dwelling on his draft slide or jersey number. Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski emphasized that the quarterback competition is ongoing, with all players having room to improve on technical details and operations. Sanders's confidence is evident as he compares his journey to that of Tom Brady, who was famously drafted late but became a seven-time Super Bowl champion, though this comparison has drawn mixed reactions online. While Sanders acknowledges much of the criticism stems from his famous father, Deion Sanders, he remains determined to focus on his growth and the opportunity ahead. With a crowded quarterback room including veterans and other rookies, experts suggest Sanders is unlikely to start in the 2025 season but will need to maximize every chance to showcase his skills.