Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders has made a strong impression during OTAs, according to team color analyst Nathan Zegura.
At Wednesday’s drills, Sanders reportedly threw three touchdown passes without an interception and completed 7 of 9 throws, showcasing promising form.
Sanders faces tough competition in Cleveland’s crowded quarterback room, which includes Kenny Pickett, Joe Flacco, and fellow 2025 draft pick Dillon Gabriel. He was the fourth quarterback added this offseason as the Browns look to solidify the position.
“His ball placement is elite,” Zegura said during an appearance on Audacy’s Maggie and Perloff Show. “His ability to layer throws is elite. He’s got plenty of arm strength. There’s something about Shedeur — very confident, but not cocky. He has a lot of belief in himself. I like the kid a lot.”
The Browns selected Sanders in the fifth round, despite already drafting Gabriel two rounds earlier. General manager Andrew Berry said taking two quarterbacks wasn’t the initial plan, but Sanders’ talent and draft availability were too good to pass up.
Zegura praised Sanders’ accuracy and toughness, noting he was often under pressure in college but still delivered strong ball placement. “If you can be that accurate and know where the ball is supposed to go, you can be very successful in this league, especially in this kind of offense.”
Despite some negative reports before the draft, Browns camp has been positive about Sanders. Head coach Kevin Stefanski recently praised his work ethic and attitude. “Shedeur’s a great kid,” Stefanski said. “He’s working like crazy, coming in early, and getting his work done.”
Last season at Colorado, Sanders threw for 4,134 yards, 37 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions, establishing himself as one of the Big 12’s top quarterbacks. Former NFL personnel director Louis Riddick believes Sanders can compete for the starting job. “If this is an organic competition with a level playing field, he can be your starter Week 1, no doubt about it.”
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