As the Shedeur Sanders saga continues, the fans are clearly eyeing his rise to greatness. His number says he’s trying to deliver an NFL career worthy of Tom Brady as well as Deion Sanders. He’s showing out, right from the starting line. He’s even staying behind to gel with teammates and get a few extra reps while he’s at it. This is his journey to QB1, but what’s a great story without setbacks?
When talking about the transition from college to the NFL, Shedeur Sanders realized there’s a lot of work to be done. Even after the rookie minicamps, where he was clearly giving it his all, he still had doubts. “I’m not sure,” he had said when he was asked if he was ready. “I haven’t played a snap yet.” True, he will know it better once training kicks into high gear and the whole team is running plays together. But is he ready to be the QB1? It might be a little too soon for that.
Just take a look at the QB depth chart. Joe Flacco leads the fray with his determination. He had notably said, “I want to play, and I’m going to play until I can’t.” And the Browns are clearly all for it too. Right behind him on the depth chart is Kenny Pickett, with Dillon Gabriel as the QB3 for now. Where does that leave Sanders? As QB4 behind Gabriel and ahead of DeShaun Watson (because of his injury). If DeShaun Watson is back in full form, then there’s one more guy to compete against for the QB1 title.
Those are some tough odds for Shedeur Sanders. But it’s not all bad, definitely. As per NFL Rookie Watch, “Shedeur Sanders is reportedly already a ‘locker room favorite’ among a lot of the vets and rookies on the Browns. – The players love him.”
Shedeur Sanders is reportedly already a “locker room favorite” among a lot of the vets and rookies on the Browns.
Sanders reportedly has an “aura” that resonates with his new teammates, with them even “emoting” Sanders’ wrist flex celebration around the building according to one… pic.twitter.com/H5lCk7fOcY
— NFL Rookie Watch (@NFLRookieWatxh) May 21, 2025
Well, the players love him for sure. Even when posing for a picture at the minicamp, the rookies gave him a nod with his classic “wrist flex”. And as per NFL Rookie Watch, that continues in the building. Sanders remains low in the depth charts, so he’s not likely to be QB1 very soon. But the energy he brings only works to help his case. And HC Kevin Stefanski also sees his potential. “Very, very impressive young man. You can tell he was raised the right way.”
And Shedeur Sanders is gearing up for the QB competition with Dillon Gabriel and the rest in stride. He has also made his feelings known about the rookie QB who was signed before him in the draft.
Shedeur Sanders on Dillon Gabriel competition
Dillon Gabriel is all about growing within the team. He’s embracing the challenges being thrown his way. As he has said, “I love it. It’s competition. It’s making all of us better.” But Gabriel isn’t just about the competition. While there’s a lot of talk around the league about Gabriel vs. Sanders, Gabriel’s all in with the team.
“For me, we’re in a room full of not just us — Kenny, Joe and Deshaun. For us, we know how important a healthy QB room is. But also, a team that you want to be a part of. How do you create an environment every single day where everybody can be their best? That’s just pushing one another, which talent naturally does. Naturally, it’s healthy. For us, we all go do our thing, and everyone wins.” And what about Shedeur Sanders?
NFL, American Football Herren, USA Cleveland Browns Rookie Minicamp May 10, 2025 Berea, OH, USA Cleveland Browns quarterback Dillon Gabriel 5 talks to the media during rookie minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus. Berea CrossCountry Mortgage Campus OH USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xKenxBlazex 20250510_kab_bk4_019
Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders are prime examples of what a QB room should look like. There’s no bad blood. Just pure respect and the drive to bring the best in each other. Sanders especially likes how Gabriel has handled all the negativity and media. “Everything’s been cool – He’s a cool person. I like how he handles situations, especially just the negative media that’s coming his way. I’m just happy he’s positive, he’s able to handle everything. We’re truly cool.” With both the fresh talents in the Browns locker room lifting each other up, we see great teamwork at play.
Dillon Gabriel, just like Shedeur Sanders, has walked away from massive NIL deals to get a shot on the gridiron. Neither QB is giving an inch as they work on their mission to be QB1 for the Browns. Sanders’ popularity certainly gives him the public vote of confidence, but Gabriel loves the competition. As they continue to work towards the team’s future together, one thing’s for certain. We will see great things from both of them.
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