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Colin Cowherd gives Browns fans a scary outlook on Shedeur Sanders with Cleveland

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Brandon Little | Last updated May 16, 2025 11:01 AM ET

The Cleveland Browns did what no other team was willing to do through the first five rounds of the NFL Draft — they selected Shedeur Sanders.

Cleveland had already drafted Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel two rounds earlier in a surprising move. Still, the team decided that the value Sanders presented in the fifth round was too good to pass up.

There isn’t much risk in taking Sanders at that point in the draft — the same round in which the Browns selected Dorian Thompson-Robinson. If things don’t work out in training camp, they can simply move on. However, not everyone sees it as a low-risk move.

Colin Cowherd Brings Up a Name Browns Fans Won’t Want to Hear

“When I look at Shedeur, all I can think of is Johnny Manziel, Deshaun Watson, or Baker Mayfield. This is what happens — this is what losing causes. Hope it ends well, I have my doubts,” Colin Cowherd said recently.

Manziel lasted just over a season with the Browns. Watson has played less than a season’s worth of games over three years. Mayfield has become a solid NFL quarterback, but that didn’t happen during his four years in Cleveland.

The Browns are going to give Sanders a chance to earn a role on the team, possibly even as a starter during the offseason and into training camp. With Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, and two rookies on the roster, there will be an open competition for the job. Cleveland isn’t heavily tied to any of the four healthy quarterbacks.

From the Browns’ perspective, if Sanders doesn’t pan out, it’s not a major setback — he’s a fifth-round pick. He’s an accurate passer and has the tools to succeed. Time will tell whether Cowherd’s skepticism proves right.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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