The Cleveland Browns made a significant move in the recent NFL Draft by trading up to select quarterback Shedeur Sanders. Bringing Sanders into the fold more than hints at the team’s future aspirations — it’s an indicator. Still, that doesn’t mean the rookie won’t have an uphill climb to earn a starting job.
Trained with high expectations, Sanders had his impressive accuracy on full display along with veteran-like poise. His elite ball placement does well to complement head coach Kevin Stefanski’s established offensive practices. He is almost certain to begin training camp as the fourth QB on the depth chart. Add it all up and his path to earning a game-day roster spot is steep, indeed.
As Cleveland continues its search for a long-term answer at quarterback, the progress of Sanders will be something to keep an eye on. Though he entered the league with a larger ranking than most third-rounders, his depth chart battle for playing time is stout.
The Path Ahead for Shedeur Sanders
On the field, as he joins the Browns, Sanders steps into a loaded quarterback room. Given this context, he will have to outshine his classmates by a large margin to crack the top three and earn real playing time. The established quarterbacks rule the field, leaving Sanders with a brutal uphill climb. He needs to show unbelievable growth at OTAs, training camp and practices to continue finding his way.
His skill set features an ability to extend plays under pressure, allowing him to generate significant yardage when traditional plays break down. That kind of dynamic playmaking ability would make him a valuable asset while he develops a deeper understanding of the nuances of NFL offenses.
Even with this upside, it’s worth noting that Sanders is not a lock for the roster. His short-term future can hopefully be one where he fills a more defined role, allowing him to build experience before soaking up knowledge from longer-established quarterbacks.
“a guy who might not be ready for another year” – Shanahan
This view would suggest that although Sanders has a lot of potential, there should be some hesitance about his preparation for the regular season right away.
The Browns’ Vision for Offense
Second, the Browns have an unmistakable outline for what they hope to do with their new signal caller. By concentrating early on simple passing concepts that play to Sanders’ strengths, the young quarterback can immediately gain confidence. This strategy will better allow him to get a feel for the offense from the start. This calculated strategy might be extremely important as he learns the ropes at the pro’s level.
Moreover, if Sanders can effectively leverage his skills within these tailored concepts, he could emerge as a pivotal figure in the Browns’ offensive schemes. His upside is much more than just game manager. Some fans hope that he’ll eventually become the league’s all-time leader in TD passes thrown on the run.
As the organization invests in its future through Sanders, it will need to ensure that he receives adequate support and opportunities to maximize his growth.
A Bright Future Ahead
Though Shadur Sanders has received a lot of buzz for his playmaking and upside, he isn’t the only one drawing eyes in the spotlight. The Browns expressed interest in other quarterback prospects during the draft process, indicating a multifaceted approach to building their roster. This new competitive environment will likely give Sanders more incentive as he seeks to show what he can do.
His unique mixture of fearlessness and play-extending ways make him a strong candidate to have a long pro career. That being said, it’s very important for him to make the most out of each chance he gets this summer in training camp and otherwise. He internalizes every drill and game day experience. This very measure deepens his formation and increases the likelihood for a successful outcome.
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