Shedeur Sanders Can Lead the Browns – Mel Kiper Jr. Fires Back at Critics With Josh Allen Reference

Shedeur Sanders‘ future is essentially up in the air, as the Cleveland Browns are not only going to look at quarterback options, but also go with the vision their next head coach brings.

GM Andrew Berry was open about looking at experienced free agents and the draft, along with their current crop of QBs, to determine who will start their 2026 campaign.

With Deshaun Watson expected to return as their starter, many critics believe that Sanders’ QB ranking after his rookie season is proof that he does not belong as a starter. Those same naysayers want the Browns to draft a top prospect.

I don’t know what else the kid needs to do. Josh Allen had haters in year 3… There’s no way Shedeur can avoid it… Everything about Shedeur Sanders screams he’s the quarterback… If you are gonna sit there and tell me you weren’t impressed with the rookie year of Shedeur Sanders, you weren’t watching the same game I was.

Mel Kiper Jr. said on ESPN First Draft

This was Mel Kiper Jr., who has always maintained his stance that Shedeur Sanders is a good quarterback. He believes that the fifth-round pick has proved through his performances that he can lead the Browns to wins.

“I don’t know what else the kid needed to do,” – Mel Kiper Jr says Shedeur Sanders did more than enough to be the Browns QB1 in 2026.

Do you agree? pic.twitter.com/JB3eGIRepX

— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) January 7, 2026

Mel Kiper Jr. reminded fans that Josh Allen also faced criticism in his third year in the league. Therefore, he expects the trolls to continue doing their bit against the Colorado alum.

Mel Kiper Jr. details what Shedeur Sanders was battling against in his rookie season

While defending Shedeur Sanders‘ rookie season, Mel Kiper Jr. started to detail what all the 23-year-old had to overcome as he led the Cleveland Browns to a 3-4 record.

Look at the interceptions that were off of Jerry Jeudy, off of Judkins’ shoulder, batted balls… When you look at what Shedeur did this year, not having any training camp, never with the 1s, defense, or offense, he was thrown out there playing in brutal weather conditions.

Mel Kiper Jr. said

Even though he has interceptions and poor QB ratings, the analyst believes that those criticizing him should also consider that Sanders did not have a full offseason of practice with the first team.

Nor did he have the playbook designed to exploit his strengths. This means that there is untapped potential in the Texas native. To harness that, Kiper Jr. wants the Browns to give Sanders one full season as the starter.

The analyst added that those criticizing the QB for his interceptions from batted balls and slow hands from his teammates should also be criticizing top QBs who face the same problems.

Law enforcement arrested 3 in connection with Shedeur Sanders burglary

One of the things Shedeur Sanders mentioned at his exit interview was that he was going to his brother Shilo Sanders’ house to collect the Christmas gifts family members left there for him.

That is because the quarterback lost quite a few things when burglars targeted his house on the very day he made his NFL debut against the Baltimore Ravens.

If a beating at the hands of that defense was not embarrassing enough, Sanders had to then work with law enforcement to detail what all was stolen in that hit.

Now, as per Daniel Oyefusi, the Medina County (Ohio) Sheriff’s Office has arrested three suspects in connection with the burglary. They are still on the hunt for the fourth person who was the driver of their getaway vehicle.

It is unclear if any of the approximately $200,000 worth of property that was stolen has been recovered. At least the arrests would give Shedeur Sanders some peace knowing his home will likely not be targeted again.

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