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.
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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.
