Development Over Debut is the prevailing strategy for rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders as the Cleveland Browns gear up for the 2025 NFL season. Despite the anticipation surrounding the son of NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, Shedeur finds himself third on the depth chart, behind veteran Joe Flacco and fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel. This positioning makes an immediate starting role highly improbable, as the Browns prioritize his long-term development within their system.
Draft Position and Expectations
Shedeur Sanders’ journey to the NFL culminated on April 26, 2025, when the Cleveland Browns selected him in the fifth round (144th overall) of the NFL Draft. His collegiate career at Colorado was marked by significant accolades, including the Jerry Rice Award, Deacon Jones Trophy, and Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award. These achievements fueled pre-draft speculation that Sanders might be a first-round pick. However, he ultimately fell to the fifth round, altering immediate expectations for his role with the Browns.
Strategic Development Approach
The Browns’ decision to temper immediate expectations stems from a strategic approach to quarterback development. General Manager Andrew Berry’s decision to draft Sanders was reportedly driven by the belief that the Browns’ coaching staff possesses the ability to mold him into a successful NFL quarterback, a process that requires time and patience. This developmental focus is the core reason why Sanders isn’t starting in his rookie season.
Insider Insights on Sanders’ Timeline
Dianna Russini of The Athletic shed light on the Browns’ internal expectations for Sanders. She reported that fans shouldn’t anticipate seeing the fifth-round rookie on the field this season “unless things get really weird.” This statement underscores the team’s confidence in Joe Flacco’s experience and Dillon Gabriel’s potential as the primary backup, indicating that Sanders’ role in 2025 is primarily focused on learning and growth behind the scenes.
Preseason Performance and Injury Setbacks
Sanders’ transition to the NFL has been characterized by both promise and challenges. His preseason performances offered glimpses of his potential, but also revealed areas needing refinement. In his debut against the Carolina Panthers, Sanders completed 14 of 23 passes for 138 yards and two touchdowns, showcasing his arm talent and decision-making ability. However, his final preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams presented a stark contrast, with only 14 passing yards on six attempts and five sacks taken. Adding to these challenges, Sanders sustained an oblique injury during practice, further impacting his preparation and availability.
The Browns’ Quarterback Depth Chart
The Cleveland Browns’ quarterback situation for the 2025 season is clearly defined. Joe Flacco is the established starter, bringing veteran leadership and experience to the offense. Dillon Gabriel, a third-round pick in the same draft, is positioned as the primary backup, offering a blend of youth and potential. The presence of Deshaun Watson, who is still recovering from an injury, further solidifies the depth chart and limits immediate opportunities for Sanders. For Sanders to gain significant playing time in his rookie year, a confluence of unforeseen circumstances, most likely injuries to the quarterbacks ahead of him, would be necessary.
Focus on Long-Term Growth
As the Browns prepare for their season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals at Huntington Bank Field, the emphasis for Shedeur Sanders is on assimilating into the NFL system and honing his skills. Rather than focusing on immediate playing time, the organization is committed to a measured and deliberate developmental path for their young quarterback. This approach reflects a long-term investment in Sanders’ potential, prioritizing sustained success over short-term gains.
The Browns’ Quarterback Development Plan
The Browns have a clear vision for Shedeur Sanders. They see him as a project, someone with immense potential who needs the right environment and coaching to flourish. This isn’t necessarily a reflection of Sanders’ talent, but rather an acknowledgment of the complexities of transitioning from college to the NFL. The speed of the game, the intricacies of NFL defenses, and the demands of a professional quarterback are all significant hurdles that Sanders will need to overcome. The Browns believe that by providing him with a structured learning environment, quality coaching, and time to develop, they can unlock his full potential and turn him into a franchise quarterback.
Learning from Flacco and Gabriel
One of the key aspects of Sanders’ development will be learning from Joe Flacco and Dillon Gabriel. Flacco, a Super Bowl MVP, brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the quarterback room. He can serve as a mentor to Sanders, sharing insights on game management, reading defenses, and leading an offense. Gabriel, while also a rookie, offers a different perspective. He’s closer in age to Sanders and can provide valuable insights on adjusting to the NFL game and navigating the challenges of being a young quarterback in the league. By absorbing the knowledge and experience of these two quarterbacks, Sanders can accelerate his learning curve and become a more well-rounded player.
Areas for Improvement
While Sanders possesses many desirable qualities, there are specific areas where he needs to improve. His preseason performance highlighted the need to improve his pocket presence and decision-making under pressure. The five sacks he took against the Rams were a clear indication that he needs to be quicker at recognizing blitzes and getting rid of the ball. He also needs to continue to refine his accuracy and consistency. While he showed flashes of brilliance in college, he needs to replicate that performance at the NFL level. The Browns’ coaching staff will be working closely with Sanders to address these areas and help him develop into a more complete quarterback.
Conclusion
Shedeur Sanders’ current position on the Browns’ depth chart reflects a calculated, long-term strategy focused on development rather than immediate impact. With veteran leadership in Flacco and potential in Gabriel, Sanders has the opportunity to learn and refine his skills. The Browns’ commitment to a slow and steady approach underscores their belief in Sanders’ potential, setting the stage for a future where he can contribute significantly to the team’s success.
