Browns HC Kevin Stefanski’s Extremely Early Assessment of Shedeur Sanders Revealed!

Shedeur Sanders faces stiff competition from at least three quarterbacks for the starting role in Cleveland coming September.

Browns HC Kevin Stefanski’s Extremely Early Assessment of Shedeur Sanders Revealed!

Shedeur Sanders, Kevin Stefanski (Image via Getty/Dawgs By Nature)

Cleveland Browns’ 144th draft pick Shedeur Sanders received a glowing review from the head coach, Kevin Stefanski, just 27 days into drafting the former Colorado Buffaloes quarterback. In a tight and deep quarterback room, an early thumbs-up from the head coach is a step in the right direction for the young rookie from Texas.

Sanders, son of former Dallas Cowboys legend Deion Sanders, was touted as a first-round pick before the NFL Draft humbled him into the fifth round. Although there were some questions about his technique and playing style, the off-the-field personality eventually led to the draft slide. However, Sanders seemed to have put all that behind him and sharpened his focus on paving his way towards the starting role in Ohio.

The Cleveland Browns, similar to many other franchises, have concluded their rookie mini-camp and even the early-season workouts. In these sessions, the Browns have given an opportunity for their quarterback room to impress the coaches. And Sanders has done exactly that. In an interview with ESPN Cleveland, head coach Kevin Stefanski praised Sanders and his work ethic.

Shedeur is a great kid…He’s working like crazy…He’s in there early, he’s getting his work done, he’s working really, really hard. I like everything there is about Shedeur.

Kevin Stefanski said

In another instance, speaking to local reporters, Kevin Stefanski said that the young rookie has been raised the right way. He added that being the son of a HOF-er gave Shedeur Sanders an advantage. Moreover, Stefanski highlighted that Sanders is aware of what comes with the job and how much effort is required to do this job.

He’s been raised the right way, he’s got a great way about him. Obviously, when you’re the son of a Hall-of-Famer, there’s a lot that goes with that. I think the benefits of that have been really impressive for him. I think you see a young man who understands what comes with this job, understands the work that goes into this job, so I’d say it’s been a very big positive.

Stefanski noted

ESPN Analyst thinks Shedeur Sanders can snatch away the QB1 spot

The Cleveland Browns may find themselves with a surprising starter under center when the NFL season begins.

Currently, the Browns’ depth chart includes Dillon Gabriel, Kenny Pickett, Deshaun Watson, and Joe Flacco. The assumption has been that Sanders would start the year as a developmental player. However, analysts have challenged that narrative.

Shedeur Sanders
Shedeur Sanders (Image via AP)

ESPN analyst Louis Riddick shared on ‘Get Up’ that the idea of Sanders starting is not far-fetched. Riddick noted that if the quarterback competition is handled fairly, Sanders could legitimately earn the starting role. He emphasized that it depends on the coaching staff’s ability to structure a true competition.

If he can compete with Dillon Gabriel, if he can compete with Joe Flacco, he can compete with Kenny Pickett. There’s a very good chance… he could be your starter week one, no question about it.

Riddick said

Former NFL running back LeSean McCoy echoed those thoughts during a recent appearance on FS1’s ‘The Facility.’ McCoy argued that the Browns’ strategy in drafting Sanders might have underestimated his capabilities.

He noted that the Browns intended to teach Sanders a lesson, and it had backfired. McCoy added that the third-round pick, Gabriel, isn’t better than Sanders. Although McCoy made sense, more or less, the Browns came out the winner with a very limited financial risk.

With the Browns beginning offseason activities and preseason preparations, all eyes will be on the quarterback battle. Even though Sanders is QB3 or further down in the starting hierarchy in the upcoming OTAs, Cleveland’s quarterback plans can shift sooner than expected.

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