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Evan Massey is a seasoned sports journalist and analyst based in Indianapolis, Indiana. His coverage spans the NFL, NBA, MLB, WNBA, and collegiate athletics. His insights have been featured across numerous prominent outlets, including Athlon Sports, ESPN, Yahoo! Sports, Forbes, Bleacher Report, and Wearing Records. Outside of his professional pursuits, Evan cherishes quality time with his wife and son.
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Since the 2025 NFL Draft, rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders has become one of the most discussed figures in professional football. After initially being selected in the fifth round-at pick No. 144-the Cleveland Browns traded up to secure him, signaling high expectations. Sanders is now determined to prove those who doubted him wrong.
However, earning a starting role immediately won’t be straightforward. The Browns enter training camp with five quarterbacks on their roster, and unless a trade occurs, Sanders will have to compete fiercely for playing time during preseason games.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski and his staff have publicly committed to giving Sanders a fair shot to earn the starting position. The young quarterback will be provided ample opportunities to demonstrate his skills and earn his place on the field.
Photo by Slash Cammett/Getty Images
Currently, there is a divide among fans and analysts regarding Sanders’ potential NFL career. Some predict he might struggle to adapt, while others believe he could become the franchise quarterback Cleveland has long sought.
Additional Reading: Browns’ Shedeur Sanders Responds to Viral $500,000 Car Purchase Story
Former NFL star LeSean McCoy recently drew a striking comparison for Sanders during a segment on “The Facility,” likening him to a legendary quarterback.
McCoy remarked, “He’s the first in the building and the last to leave,” drawing a parallel to Tom Brady.
This comparison has garnered significant attention, as pairing Sanders with one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time is a bold statement. McCoy did not shy away from sharing his honest assessment of Sanders’ potential.
Throughout his college career, Sanders displayed signs of exceptional talent. Over four years at Jackson State and Colorado, he amassed 14,347 passing yards, 134 touchdowns, and only 27 interceptions, completing 70.1% of his throws.
More Insights: NFL Experts Make Confident Predictions About Browns’ Young Quarterback Shedeur Sanders
The fact that Sanders fell to the fifth round was a major surprise to many observers. No one anticipated such a drop, which has only fueled his motivation to succeed.
Watching his rookie season unfold will be intriguing. Whether he sees significant playing time or not, his prospects remain promising. If he can develop fully and reach his potential, the ceiling is limitless. There is a real possibility that Sanders could become the long-awaited franchise quarterback Cleveland has been searching for.
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