Where Shedeur Sanders Stands in Browns' QB Depth Chart Today
Where Shedeur Sanders Stands in Browns' QB Depth Chart Today originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Shedeur Sanders may be the fourth quarterback on the Cleveland Browns' depth chart, but he remains one of the most talked-about players in the building. As the Browns continue offseason workouts, the rookie quarterback is quickly learning that the NFL is a different world, especially when you're trying to climb from the bottom of a crowded quarterback room.
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During Wednesday's OTA session, Sanders didn't take any first-team reps, according to ESPN's Daniel Oyefusi. That's not unexpected. Veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett currently headline the depth chart, while third-round pick Dillon Gabriel was drafted two rounds before Sanders and appears to be ahead of him for now.
Despite the limited opportunities, Sanders made the most of his reps. Per ESPN Cleveland, he completed 9 of 14 passes in seven-on-seven and 11-on-11 drills, throwing three touchdowns and one interception. The Browns even shared a highlight of one of those scores, a sharp throw to receiver Kaden Davis that drew praise from reporters on site. Joe Reedy of the Associated Press called it 'the best throw of the day.'
For most fifth-round quarterbacks, stat-tracking at OTAs would be rare. But Sanders isn't most quarterbacks. Thanks to his college pedigree, high-profile family, and the unexpected drop in the draft, every move he makes will be heavily watched. He's one of the most scrutinized fourth-string quarterbacks in recent memory.
Still, his status on the roster comes with real challenges. Sanders is fighting for attention and reps, which are hard to come by when the team has three quarterbacks ahead of you. Without significant snaps in training camp or preseason games, it's difficult to make a case for meaningful regular-season action.
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Offensive coordinator Tommy Rees praised Sanders' preparation and grasp of the offense but also acknowledged that he's still a rookie learning the ropes.'He's really put in a lot of work, as all those guys are,' Rees told the Associated Press. 'You can tell on the mental side, learning the system, calling it, getting into rhythm, he's put a lot of time and effort into that. When you do that, the game slows down and you can focus on completions. He's done a nice job of that as camp's progressed.'
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders, throwing at minicamp.© Jeff Lange / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Sanders' interception on Wednesday came off a tipped ball into traffic, another sign of the growing pains that come with transitioning to the NFL. His arm strength, vision, and mobility give him long-term upside, but he'll need to show consistency to move up the depth chart.
For now, the focus is on development. Sanders isn't expected to start this season, and the Browns aren't rushing his timeline. But that doesn't mean he won't be closely watched. With his talent, work ethic, and media profile, Sanders remains a compelling figure in Cleveland's offseason narrative, even as a fourth-string quarterback.
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If he continues to progress, it's only a matter of time before he forces his way into the conversation.
Related: Deion Sanders Made Transfer Earn Number—and it Paid Off
Related: Colorado's Rick George Reacts to House Settlement Approval
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 8, 2025, where it first appeared.
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