The Browns finished the 2025 NFL Draft with an A+ grade. What impressed everyone was their singular focus on the most important position: quarterback. They suffered greatly last season when starter Deshaun Watson tore his Achilles in Week 7 against divisional rivals, the Bengals. Head coach Kevin Stefanski responded by drafting two quarterbacks. The first, in the third round (94th overall), was Oregon QB Dillon Gabriel. The second, and more high-profile pick, was Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders in the fifth round (144th overall). Soon after the draft, a video went viral showing GM Andrew Berry speaking with the star rookie.
Once projected as a first-round pick, Sanders slid into Day 2 — but no team drafted him. The Giants, Steelers, and Raiders passed on him multiple times. Reports even claimed that Giants head coach Brian Daboll was initially interested in the college standout but lost confidence when Sanders failed to identify key errors in an install.
Kevin Stefanski, however, seems more focused on his ability to learn the playbook. A source close to Sanders said the league “brought out a villain” by discriminating against him. For Sanders, the repeated snubs felt like a mockery. He was even prank-called during the draft, adding insult to injury. He acknowledged the frustration, saying it would “(add) fuel to the fire.”
Shedeur Sanders reportedly has a “legitimate chance” at being the Browns QB1 for their week one game of the regular season.
Several NFL scouts reportedly believe Sanders is the “most talented” QB in the Browns QB room, but will have to show he understands the intricacies of an… pic.twitter.com/c0NTTk8ZVf
— NFL Rookie Watch (@NFLRookieWatxh) May 6, 2025
The Browns can make him the starter for the first game of the regular season. It’s like a perfect set of revenge. The Steelers did not select him despite requiring a signal caller. HC Mike Tomlin chose to wait. Shedeur Sanders can also show who is better between him and Cam Ward! The talent and ability are there. But Kevin Stefanski needs to be on his toes.
Other reports are not up to the mark. In fact, most of them show him in a negative light. Ex-NFLer Ross Tucker revealed a story about how he tried to interview the college player in September last year before the game against Colorado State. They first turned him away citing injury against Nebraska, then Shedeur Sanders did not show up to the production meeting, and last, when he saw the quarterback sitting in the back of a truck in front of his hotel.
Despite all this talk, other QBs are in danger now. The veterans feel threatened!
Kevin Stefanski forced to take the hard decision
The Browns QB depth is pretty simple and organized. It includes their favorite starter, Deshaun Watson, who will be the starter when he returns. Then, they have 2 Super Bowl winners, the former Ravens QB Joe Flacco and the former Eagles QB Kenny Pickett. The other 2 are the rookies. However, the decision will not be easy for Kevin Stefanski.
40-year-old Flacco is a veteran and is expected to fill in the shoes whenever required. But 26-year-old Pickett hoped for a starting job. That seems to be in danger now. It’s not just about the talent, but the franchise would like to give experience to someone who can play in the long run for the team. Shedeur Sanders fits that.
Additionally, the friendship between Deion Sanders and Andrew Berry might create a chance for the college QB to show his talent. No possibility can be denied. Remember, in February this year, Andrew Berry claimed that Coach Prime would not have a problem with the Browns drafting his son. When they drafted the Colorado player and stopped his slide, Deion called up the GM and thanked him.
Kevin Stefanski has to take care of many things at once. While keeping an eye on Deshaun Watson’s recovery, he would like to test each signal caller before making any decision.
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