Tony Grossi Has Words for Shedeur Sanders Hype: ‘He's a Developmental QB'
Tony Grossi Has Words for Shedeur Sanders Hype: 'He's a Developmental QB' originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The honeymoon phase for Shedeur Sanders in Cleveland might be short-lived, at least if you ask longtime Browns analyst Tony Grossi.
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As hype continues to swell around the Colorado Buffaloes legend following his selection in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Grossi is stepping in with a reality check. Appearing on 850 ESPN Cleveland, the veteran radio personality made it clear: the media is overhyping Sanders' early flashes, and it could be doing the young quarterback more harm than good.
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) catches a ballKen Blaze-Imagn Images
'The media are doing Shedeur a disservice by inflating where he's at right now,' Grossi said. 'He's a developmental quarterback, just like Dillon Gabriel—he's not a franchise quarterback.'
Grossi's words were blunt but calculated. While many headlines are praising Sanders' accuracy in open OTAs, Grossi says the narrative doesn't match the reps. Sanders is the only QB in the Browns' room not taking consistent snaps with the starters, a telling sign for a team actively evaluating its future at the position.
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Despite being one of the most high-profile names in college football under Coach Deion 'Prime' Sanders at Colorado, Shedeur slid to the fifth round in April. He now finds himself behind Super Bowl MVP Joe Flacco, journeyman Kenny Pickett, and Oregon standout Dillon Gabriel, who, it's worth noting, was drafted before Sanders.
Grossi didn't mince words on the depth chart either.
'Overinflating expectations is just not good,' he added. 'He's not close to being QB1.'
This might feel like a gut punch to Colorado fans who watched Sanders throw for 4,134 yards and 37 touchdowns in 2024 despite playing behind one of the most porous offensive lines in college football. Still, Grossi's point isn't about talent, it's about timing and development.
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The Cleveland Browns are notoriously cautious with quarterbacks, and with Flacco likely serving as a bridge, the team can afford to let Sanders mature behind the scenes. That's not the narrative fans want, but it may be the one that sets Shedeur up for long-term success.
Colorado fans know what Shedeur can do. They've seen him perform under pressure, carry a program in transition, and silence critics with his arm and poise. If there's anything we've learned from Shedeur Sanders' journey so far, it's this: doubt him at your own risk.
So, let's keep receipts.
Whether Grossi is spot on or shortsighted, time, and Shedeur will tell.
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Related: Deion Sanders Cancels Speaking Engagement as Rumors Swirl
Related: Colorado Replaces Folsom Field's Grass Amid Former Heisman Calling Out Risks
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 9, 2025, where it first appeared.
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