Opinion: Shedeur Sanders can change the Cleveland Browns’ future

Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders must use his unprecedented NFL draft freefall to turn around one of the league's bleakest situations, the Cleveland Browns. (Photo by Roberto Patrick Gerra/Sko Buffs Sports)

The 2025 NFL Draft was anything but perfect for former Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders. A historic fall had him drop to No. 144, where the Cleveland Browns selected him in the fifth round. 

The issue with the Browns' selection comes not where they drafted Sanders, but the abundance of quarterbacks already on the roster. This includes Dillon Gabriel from the Oregon Ducks, who they selected at No. 94, ahead of Sanders in the same draft. 

With veteran quarterbacks Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett each wanting their shot at being the commander, a four-way race seems imminent in Cleveland. The Browns' front office gave the coaching staff no favors in game-planning for QB1. 

The Browns have spent three decades in search of their franchise QB, failing for years on end. The mishandling of Baker Mayfield and the miss on the Deshaun Watson trade have left fans deflated. Since the turn of the century, the Browns have only had four winning seasons, three playoff appearances and a lone playoff win. 

As grim as it has been for Cleveland, its unconventional draft approach has let them come out with a QB who could become the face of their franchise. Sanders can be the one to right the ship of football’s laughing stock. 

Son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, he has been no stranger to the public eye. Although his father’s influence has rubbed some the wrong way, and could even be a reason for his descent, it is no mistake that his presence has brought Sanders to where he is now. 

Surrounded by football from his first breath, Sanders brings a legacy of success and confidence that the Browns have lacked. The draft process has left Sanders with a new chip on his shoulder and a dose of humility that will be beneficial in the NFL. Having to wait two extra days and see four others taken before him will be good for Sanders in the long run. 

A career 70.1 percent completion percentage, 14,347 passing yards and 134 passing touchdowns in four seasons show why Sanders was once considered for the top pick. His footwork, leadership and accuracy are all traits that translate to successful QB play in the NFL. Sanders also went 35-16 as a starter at Jackson State and Colorado, establishing a winning culture. 

Nothing will be given to Sanders in Cleveland as the last QB to join, he becomes the furthest behind to start. It will take hard work and studying for Sanders to maintain his Johnny Unitas Golden Arm level of play. 

Browns’ general manager Andrew Berry was very realistic when discussing Sanders' fit on the team.

"Gotta come in to work, and you gotta come in to win. That's the message. Nothing is given," Berry said to the media. "We told him it really doesn't matter where you're picked, it's what you do from that point forward."

The public critique, the prank call and the doubt from other teams who passed on him are all extra motivations for Sanders in the pros. His college career showed a consistency to improve and elevate the talent around him.

In a league where you need a QB to win, drafting Sanders was the right choice for the Browns. With Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson in the division, offense is their avenue to compete. The Browns’ defense is strong and lays a solid foundation for a rookie QB. Wide receivers Jerry Jeudy and Cedric Tillman also pose as great weapons for whichever player earns the starting job. 

The Browns took a chance on Sanders, and it could be the piece they’ve been missing. As the off-season progresses and training camp edges closer, all eyes will be on the quarterback battle in Cleveland. Regardless of where he went, Sanders sits with equal opportunity as the other three healthy QBs on the roster. 

As is known, the great Tom Brady was not selected at the top of his draft either. Don’t be surprised if No. 2 walks out of the tunnel as QB1 for Cleveland in the fall. Sanders has a long way to go before even sniffing the success of Brady. However, he now has the home where, in his own way, he can become legendary.