Shedeur Sanders Already Turning Heads at Browns Camp: “Best QB on the Field”
Former Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders may have slipped in the 2025 NFL Draft, but early signs out of Cleveland suggest the Browns rookie is quickly turning heads—and possibly rewriting the quarterback depth chart.
As offseason training activities continue, Sanders has become a frequent subject of praise from local media and NFL analysts alike. Some are already suggesting he’s looked like the best quarterback on the field.
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) hands the ball off to running back Quinshon Judkins (10) during rookie minicamp, May 10, 2025, in Berea, Ohio. / Jeff Lange / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
This morning on ESPN Cleveland Radio, host Tony Rizzo shared a text he received from a team source—an ESPN Cleveland employee not named Tony Grossi—that read:
“Shedeur looked like the best quarterback in camp.”
Co-host Aaron Goldhammer echoed that view after watching practice footage and speaking with team insiders:
“I’ve come to a realization: by the time we get to September, I think Tony Grossi is wrong; I think there’s a way Shedeur Sanders starts the first game.”
“Now that I’ve seen some videos, talked to a bunch of people at multiple practices—I think Shedeur Sanders was the best quarterback out there yesterday.”
Praise Extends Beyond Cleveland
That sentiment is now echoing beyond Berea.
Fox Sports analyst and Super Bowl XLV champion James Jones took it a step further on The Facility podcast:
“What I’m hearing is the talent is jumping off the screen at people. He’s the most talented quarterback out there. He’s throwing the ball with anticipation, getting it out of his hands—he’s the most anticipated quarterback in that room.”
Jones emphasized that Sanders’ rapid grasp of the Browns’ playbook is turning heads inside the facility:
“They say he’s learning the playbook extremely well. If you’re throwing with anticipation, it means you know what’s coming. There’s absolutely a chance he could start Week 1.”
From Boulder to the Big Leagues
For Colorado football fans, Sanders’ rise isn’t surprising.
A poised leader with elite arm talent and a sharp football IQ, Sanders thrived under pressure during his time with the Buffaloes. He became a household name under head coach Deion Sanders and led Colorado through one of the most publicized seasons in college football.
Critics often pointed to his high sack totals in college, but supporters argued the issue stemmed from poor offensive line play and scheme limitations—factors the Browns are now working to mitigate.
Dec 28, 2024; San Antonio, TX, USA; Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) throws under pressure during the Alamo Bowl. / Troy Taormina / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
QB Battle Brewing in Cleveland
While official word from the Browns coaching staff remains scarce, that’s largely by design. During OTAs, media access is limited to just one session per week.
But that changes soon.
With mandatory minicamp on the horizon and three open practices scheduled, reporters—and fans—could soon get a clearer picture of where Sanders stands in the Browns’ quarterback competition.
Early Buzz, Rising Expectations
What’s clear now is that Shedeur Sanders came to Cleveland ready to compete.
Even if it’s too early to pencil him in as the Week 1 starter, the buzz surrounding his performance is impossible to ignore. From private texts and public praise to social media speculation, the spotlight is already back on one of college football’s most polarizing stars.
And if his early NFL moments are any indication, Shedeur Sanders might just be the Browns’ future—sooner than anyone expected.
