Last year’s NFL draft saw 6 QBs taken off the board in the first round, something that hasn’t happened since 1983. But this year’s QB class is a complete UNO reverse. Only two names have dominated the offseason headlines—Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders and Miami’s Cam Ward. They have constantly found themselves exchanging No.1 and No.2 spots in every mock draft. However, the latest ESPN mock draft courtesy of Matt Miller paints a bleak picture of both Ward and Sanders, sending an open warning to those looking to draft them.
On his ESPN report, Miller said, “One year after seeing six quarterbacks drafted in the first round, the 2025 class finishes with zero passers with a true first-round grade.” He then went on to put Sanders and Ward behind some of last year’s top QB prospects. “Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders and Miami’s Cam Ward would have been ranked behind Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye and even J.J. McCarthy in 2024,” Miller predicted.
Well, the reason behind him putting such a bold statement out was plain and simple: “Based on this past season’s tape or predraft circuit,” Miller claimed. Here’s the thing: Honestly, Ward and Sanders will still be taken in the first round. But franchises like the Browns, who desperately need a QB must keep their eyes open.
See, Ward obviously has all the traits to be a world-beater. Strong arm, the ability to move around the pocket, and is an efficient red zone passer, throwing a staggering 158 TDs in college. Still, lacks a bit of the athleticism needed to be a dual-threat QB in today’s era. In his 5 years of college, Ward has only scored 20 TDs on the ground. Something he needs to improve on after stepping into NFL stardom.
Then, there’s the case of Shedeur Sanders. No doubt he is an accurate passer, as he led the league last year with 74% pass completion rate. Has the football IQ to read his receivers’ movement, coupled with an eagle-eyed vision to pick them in a crowd. But Sanders also lacks that dual-threat capability like Ward. Leaving 2022, Sanders’ rushing yards are in the negative, which isn’t a good look on a potential NFL starter. Well, that isn’t the only concern with Sanders. He also holds the ball for too long, taking unnecessary sacks. In his 2 years with the Buffaloes, Sanders has taken 94 sacks, which can be a huge turnoff for those looking to draft him.
Actually, it probably won’t, at least for the Browns. They are in desperate need of a QB after digging a hole themselves through the acquisition of $230M QB Deshaun Watson.
Can the Browns really go without drafting a QB?
Yes, the Titans also need a QB and will probably take Cam Ward once they are on the clock at No.1. But there isn’t a single franchise other than the Browns who desperately needs one. There isn’t a return date set for Deshaun Watson, who has re-tore his ACL. And even if he returns, he probably won’t see the gridiron again in Cleveland. After what he has done in his 3 years—a whole lot of nothing. Giving Watson his starting spot back will be a foolish decision for the Browns.
Now, if Ward does end up in Tennessee, the Browns will still have the opportunity to draft Sanders. Having the No.2 pick gives them a clear advantage of taking Colorado’s star QB to Cleveland. While there could be some doubts on the potential of Sanders coming in as an NFL starter, the Browns might be forced to select him. Because passing on Sanders would mean the Giants, who still need a young signal-caller, will surely draft him.
NCAA, College League, USA Football: Colorado State at Colorado Sep 16, 2023 Boulder, Colorado, USA Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders 2 warms up prior to the game against the Colorado State Rams at Folsom Field. Boulder Folsom Field Colorado USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xAndrewxWeversx 20230916_anw_pl2_0128
As for the Browns, they could probably bring in Abdul Carter or Travis Hunter. But are they really willing to get their 2025 season rolling with Kenny Pickett as their starting QB. Well, it could be too risky for them. Pickett is a backup QB at best and could be a bridge starter at the very least. And the Browns failing to bring in someone who can start for them in the next decade or so will again thrust them into a disappointing season. So, it’s totally up to the Browns now.
Are they willing to take the gamble and not draft either Ward or Sanders? Or they pick Sanders and test their horrible quarterback luck. Who knows? Maybe this time it will be different.
The post Shedeur Sanders & Cam Ward Hit Rock Bottom as Browns Receive Major Blow in Controversial Mock Draft appeared first on EssentiallySports.