It is possible that never in the history of the NFL has a fifth-round pick received as much attention as QB Shedeur Sanders. Especially a fifth-round pick that was the second player at his position drafted
by his team and listed no higher than third string through the early part of an NFL season.
Sanders is not really like any other pick that late in the NFL draft.
Media expectations were that he would be selected in the first round or no later than the top of the second based on his college performance. His famous father turned coach, Deion Sanders, and the younger Sanders’ outgoing personality only added to the amount of attention he has received.
After Cleveland traded away veteran QB Joe Flacco, there was uncertainty about whether the Browns would name the popular Sanders as the primary backup to QB Dillon Gabriel. HC Kevin Stefanski refused to comment about the team’s backup plans until Friday’s press conference, where he informed the media that Sanders would take the role:
Of note, Cleveland could still elevate QB Bailey Zappe for the game and insert him before Sanders despite Stefanski’s statement above. Doing so would create waves of scrutiny on the team’s process and Stefanski’s answer on Friday, but the Browns do not always do things conventionally.
Due to NFL rules, Zappe is not allowed to be the team’s emergency third quarterback while on the practice squad.
Are you surprised by the decision and/or how long it took the Browns to commit to Sanders as the backup? Do you think there is any chance Zappe could see the field before Sanders in Week 6?
Share your thoughts in the comment section below
