The Cleveland Browns took a chance on Shedeur Sanders, trading up in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL draft to select him with the No. 144 overall pick. Even after they had taken Dillon Gabriel in the third round, the Browns felt that Sanders was too good to pass on.
Entering training camp and preseason action, Sanders will be given a fair chance to win the starting job. However, he will also be fighting for a roster spot.
Currently, the Browns have five quarterbacks on their roster. Joining Sanders and Gabriel in the room are Deshaun Watson, Joe Flacco, and Kenny Pickett.
Despite all of the competition, Sanders has remained very confident. He spoke out and sent a bold message to Cleveland in a recent interview with Cleveland Browns Daily.
"I work hard, and I love the game of football," he said. "That's all you really need to know, and you know I ain't disrespectful. I don't have off-the-field problems. So those three main things, that equals success."
Sanders clearly believes that he is going to find NFL success. He also believes that he's going to be the long-term quarterback for the Browns.
Cleveland will have a tough decision ahead. There is no denying that Sanders has star potential. It was that potential that made him an excepted first or second-round pick.
Using a third-round pick on Gabriel also adds pressure for the Browns. Having two legitimate veteran quarterbacks capable of starting adds intrigue to the competition.
Kevin Stefanski has his work cut out for him moving forward. Figuring out which quarterback to start and then how to rotate them depending on how the season is going will be no easy task.
Regardless of what happens, Sanders' message shows a clear confidence in his ability and a bold outlook for his own future.
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