CLEVELAND BROWNS’ coach Kevin Stefanski denies Shedeur Sanders has suffered a new blow to his status.
Sanders finally joined the Browns as just the 144th overall pick – an incredible fall after many, including famous dad Deion, claimed he would be a top-five draft.
5
5
5
Among those taken for the NFL ahead of the Colorado Buffaloes star, 23, was fellow quarter-back Dillon Gabriel.
And the 24-year-old, who was a third-round pick, might feel he has stolen a march on Sanders on their first day at rookie minicamp.
Gabriel took the first reps – meaning he saw action before his rival in the opening team drills.
And Stefanski was promptly quizzed over what that might mean for the Browns in the 2025 season.
The 43-year-old’s hierarchy of QBs is far from clear – especially as the team has FIVE.
Apart from Sanders and Gabriel, the Browns can select from 40-year-old Joe Flacco, 2022 draft Kenny Pickett and 29-year-old Deshaun Watson.
Former Houston Texans player Watson is currently out injured.
And Flacco, who was with Indianapolis Colts last year, is tipped to get the nod.
But when asked about Sanders missing out on first reps on Friday, Stefanski insisted: “I wouldn’t look into really anything.
“You’ll see the whole weekend, going through the spring, we don’t pay too close attention to who is in there first.”
5
He added: “There’s a lot of time between now and September, so we’ll have a plan. But it’s an all-encompassing evaluation.”
Stefanski then praised both his rookie QBs – while stressing he’s looking for improvement
He said:Â “They were as advertised… I thought both guys did a really nice job, and there’s so much to work on.Â
“It’s the minutiae of the position. It’s some technique things. The operation needs to get better.Â
“All those things, that’s why we’re here. That’s why we’re going to work really hard over the next few days to get these guys ready for when they join the veterans on Monday.”
5