The Cleveland Browns quarterback competition has intensified as sophomore signal-caller Shedeur Sanders splits first-team practice repetitions with veteran Deshaun Watson ahead of training camp.
Sanders is attempting to secure the starting role after an uneven rookie season where he posted a 3-4 record as a starter.
He completed 56.6 percent of his passes for 1,400 yards, with seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions, after rising from fourth on the depth chart.
Despite showing improvement during minicamp by throwing deep touchdown passes, Sanders recently faced public criticism regarding his mobility.
Former NFL draft scout Daniel Kelly shared a harsh evaluation on social media after viewing a video of the quarterback in a speed drill.
“He's way too slow,” Kelly wrote.
The evaluation highlights questions about Sanders' rushing ability, given his 4.68-second 40-yard dash and 169 rushing yards with one touchdown last season.
However, head coach Todd Monken defended Sanders' movement skills, noting that mobility expectations have shifted over time.
“I said this morning that 15 or 20 years ago, they would have said that Shedeur Sanders was athletic,” Monken told ESPN.
“They would have said he could escape. Well, the game's changed so much to now he's not a mobile quarterback.
No, [Sanders is] mobile.”
Monken elaborated during the NFL Combine, noting that Sanders possesses strong intuition when operating under defensive pressure.
“He's not as mobile as what we've come to where Lamar Jackson or the quickness that these players have.
Their escape ability is completely changed from when it was,” Monken said.
The coaching staff noted significant strides in Sanders' development throughout the offseason program.
“I think Shedeur surprised me a little bit in terms of … 'mobile' might (not be apt) but he's got a knack, he's got a feel, like he does in playmaking,” Monken said.
“He has a real sense in the pocket when it starts to collapse and moving around the pocket and he made more plays or got himself out of trouble than I would've guessed — than I would've thought even coming out — which was nice to see.”
Offensive coordinator Travis Switzer also expressed optimism about Sanders' mechanical improvements.
“[Sanders’] progress has been impressive,” Switzer said. “Just his ability to move through progressions.
His feet are getting more urgent, and he’s ready to throw when he needs to more consistently.
We can continue to grow there, but his progress has been impressive.”
Despite positive feedback from coaches, several local media figures remain skeptical of Sanders' readiness to lead the offense over Watson.
“I’m not saying Shedeur can’t get better; I’m just saying it doesn’t look good,” said Anthony Lima, radio host on 92.3 The Fan.
“There are a lot of indicators. He’s got a lot to overcome.
You just telling me he has similar stats to Hall of Fame QBs, I can do that with every QB that plays.”
Other commentators expressed stronger reservations about Sanders starting games.
“I am open to any idea that prevents me from watching Shedeur Sanders play quarterback on Sundays,” said Chris Fedor, Browns insider on 92.3 The Fan.
Fedor pointed out that Sanders' statistical debut was among the most inefficient historical performances in recent decades.
“He was statistically one of the worst quarterbacks that we’ve ever seen. He was terrible,” Fedor added.
Amid external criticism, Sanders stated his current objective remains centered on personal development and mastering the team's offensive system.
“I’m focused on developing as a player, doing everything, getting as comfortable as I can in the offense and the scheme, and playing with confidence,” Sanders said.
“That’s all I’m really looking for and trying to improve every day.”
Meanwhile, Watson enters the final year of his $230 million contract after injury-altered seasons, working with private specialists at the team facility to prepare.
“I'm trying to play a full season, man,” Watson said. “I'm just trying to be healthy so I can play all 17-plus games.
I don't know what's going to happen at that time.”
The final determination for the starting job will be settled on the field during training camp, where third-string quarterback Dillon Gabriel also remains a factor.
“This is the truest quarterback competition in the NFL,” said ESPN analyst Ryan Yates.
“What I mean by that is whoever performs best in training camp should be the week one starter.
There are other quarterback competitions where, if you have a young quarterback and he narrowly outperforms the veteran quarterback in training camp, I still would lean on the veteran early in the season to alleviate some of the pressure on a young player in Cleveland.
Whether it’s Shedeur Sanders, Deshaun Watson, maybe even Dillon Gabriel, whichever one performed best in training camp should be on the field for that opening week.”
