Despite throwing second to fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel in the initial practice rotation, Shedeur Sanders showed why fantasy managers shouldn’t dismiss his chances of earning early playing time in Cleveland. Local reporters covering Browns rookie minicamp noted Sanders “looked sharper than Dillon Gabriel” during Friday’s sessions, with Browns beat reporter Tony Stainbrook adding, “This is only the beginning. The competition is real, and it’s going to be one of the stories of the season.”
Sanders didn’t waste time getting to work after his draft slide. Three days post-draft, he was already in Cleveland, running conditioning drills. Videos emerged showing Sanders working on footwork drills on a hill near the Browns’ facility, demonstrating his commitment to proving fifth-round selections can make immediate impacts.
Commanding Presence in Early Drills
During Friday’s rookie minicamp practice, Sanders showcased the commanding presence that made him a standout college quarterback. According to observers, he delivered crisp under-center snaps with “a commanding cadence” and impressed with accurate throws while rolling to his left. His pocket mechanics and delivery looked polished compared to other rookies at camp.
Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski downplayed the significance of the rotation order when asked about Gabriel taking first reps: “I wouldn’t look into anything,” Stefanski said. “I think you’ll see the whole weekend, going through the spring. I mean, we don’t pay too close attention to who is in there first.”
Sanders Focused on Growth, Not Draft Position
When speaking with media for the first time since his dramatic slide to the fifth round, Sanders displayed the confident mindset fantasy managers want to see. Rather than dwell on his draft position, he’s embracing the opportunity ahead.
“I’m just thankful for the opportunity. Things could have been a lot worse, but I’m here smiling in front of you all at this facility right now,” Sanders told reporters during rookie minicamp. “My job here isn’t to prove people wrong, but to prove myself right.”
This outlook suggests Sanders is mentally prepared for the quarterback competition ahead, which includes veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett alongside fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel.
Coaches Notice Accuracy and Decision-Making
Browns offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey spent significant time with Sanders during individual drills on Friday, working specifically on his dropbacks and timing. Dorsey was reportedly impressed with Sanders’ natural accuracy on intermediate throws, an area where Cleveland’s offense struggled last season.
“You can see why he completed 74% of his passes in college,” said an unnamed Browns offensive assistant. “The ball placement is there. Now it’s about adapting to NFL speed and coverage recognition.”
Adapting to NFL Pace
The primary focus for Sanders during his first NFL practices has been adjusting to the speed of the professional game. Sanders acknowledged this challenge after Saturday’s session.
“Everything moves faster here. The defensive linemen, the linebackers, the way coverage rotates post-snap – it’s all quicker,” Sanders explained. “But I’m getting more comfortable each rep. My goal is to make the right decision fast, not just a fast decision.”
This awareness of processing speed will be crucial for Sanders’ fantasy outlook, as his college tendency to hold the ball (2.96 seconds average time to throw) would lead to excessive sacks at the NFL level.
Fantasy Outlook: Rising Stock
For fantasy purposes, Sanders’ strong showing at rookie minicamp elevates his late-round flier status. While Joe Flacco remains the presumptive Week 1 starter given his experience, Sanders is positioning himself to potentially leapfrog both Kenny Pickett and Dillon Gabriel on the depth chart.
Brandon Howard, Browns insider, observed: “Sanders carries himself like a starter already. The arm talent is undeniable, and he’s shown surprising mobility during scramble drills. If he continues this trajectory through OTAs and training camp, don’t be shocked if he’s getting second-team reps by August.”
For fantasy managers in 2QB and Superflex formats especially, Sanders represents tremendous value at his current ADP of QB32. His accuracy profile and the wide-open competition in Cleveland provide a realistic path to meaningful playing time in 2025, making him worth a roster spot in deeper leagues.
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