Browns HC Todd Monken Rebukes Media For Quizzing About Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson right after NFL Draft

Browns head coach Todd Monken was not too pleased with fielding questions about Shedeur Sanders in the post draft press conference.

Browns HC Todd Monken Rebukes Media For Quizzing About Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson right after NFL Draft

Shedeur Sanders and Todd Monken inside the circle (Image via IMAGO/X)

In Short
  • Todd Monken criticized the media for focusing on Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson immediately after the NFL Draft.
  • The Browns drafted four offensive skill players to support their quarterback, including two receivers in the first two rounds.
  • Shedeur Sanders is expected to compete for the starting quarterback position in the upcoming season after a lackluster rookie year.

Shedeur Sanders may only be in his second year with the Cleveland Browns, but he is more popular than two-time Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett at this point. His jerseys flew off the shelves at the nearby fan store and the Fanatics outlet the moment they were made available.

Sanders’ first year did not go according to how he may have envisioned. Buried on the depth chart, he only made seven appearances near the end of the campaign. With Todd Monken on board as the new head coach, Sanders has a great shot at starting in week one of the 2026 season. Keeping that in mind, Monken and general manager Andrew Berry conducted a very offense-heavy draft, selecting four skill players (eight total additions to the offense).

The Browns took two receivers in the first two rounds, KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston. Tight end Joe Royer was selected in the fifth round, while Carsen Ryan was selected in the seventh. Clearly, Monken planned to surround Sanders, or whoever the starting quarterback would be, with as many offensive weapons as he could.

After the draft ended, Monken and Berry faced the reporters and probably expected questions about the draftees; instead, one of them popped a question about Sanders, which kind of ticked off the veteran head coach.

We just couldn’t pass the draft and get right back to the quarterbacks? Does anyone have some Myles questions while we’re at it?

Todd Monken said

The Browns also drafted offensive tackle Spencer Fano at 9, safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren at 58, offensive tackle Austin Barber at 86, center Parker Brailsford at 146, and linebacker Justin Jefferson at 149, and quarterback Taylen Green at 182 overall.

Shedeur Sanders gets a positive update ahead of new season

The Browns’ offense was pretty bad in 2025. Cleveland ranked third from last, averaging 262.1 yards per game, and scored a total of 30 touchdowns in 17 games. Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy led the Browns with 602 yards and had 10 drops (second most in the league behind Jameson Williams of the Detroit Lions).

Browns HC Todd Monken Lashes Out at Media For Quizzing About Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson right after NFL Draft
Shedeur Sanders (Image via IMAGO)

Keeping that in mind, the Browns took Texas A&M graduate KC Concepcion in the draft. Concepcion is well familiar with Sanders. As a matter of fact, he visited Sanders’ alma mater, the University of Colorado, after entering the transfer portal in 2025.

Whenever I entered the transfer portal after my sophomore season, I had actually went down to Colorado and met Shedeur. He’s a great guy, a great leader. I just cannot wait to build that relationship, build that connection with him.

Concepcion said via Camryn Justice of News5Cleveland

Concepcion joined the Aggies and racked up 61 receptions for 919 yards (15.1 yards per catch) and 9 touchdowns in 13 games. Before Texas A&M, Concepcion spent two years at NC State.

Sanders committed to play for Jackson State, where his father, NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, was the head coach. Two years later, Shedeur followed his dad to Colorado. In his final year with the Buffaloes, Sanders threw for 4134 yards (74.0%) and 37 touchdowns on 353 completions.

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