Shedeur Sanders as the week 1 starter for the Cleveland Browns? “It’s not ridiculous,” ESPN’s Louis Reddick expressed earlier this week. If the QB manages to get enough reps and the HC intends to develop a franchise quarterback, things could work out. But Bernie Kosar, who played for the team from 1985 to 1993, has a completely different outlook. He doesn’t believe either of the rookies—Dillon Gabriel selected 94, and Shedeur Sanders at 144—should be the starter, especially for a rough team like the Browns.

In that case, Kevin Stefanski would have to choose between Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett, considering Deshaun Watson is still recovering from his Achilles injury. Perhaps an experienced signal-caller could lead the team for a season, and both the rookies could observe and develop. At least, that’s what helped Kosar during his stint back in the 80s. And because Stefanski has already asserted he wants to find a long-term answer for the role, this seems like the most probable plan for the team.

Sure, Shedeur is used to stealing the spotlight in college football, but we reckon he, too, realizes there is a lot more work to be done in the NFL. For instance, he would have to improve on not getting sacked too often. So, despite him being the locker room favorite, reports suggest he might not be the starter for the team. NFL Rookie Watch took to X and reported:

“Shedeur Sanders is reportedly already a “locker room favorite” among a lot of the vets and rookies on the Browns. Sanders reportedly has an “aura” that resonates with his new teammates, with them even “emoting” Sanders’ wrist flex celebration around the building according to one source. “The players love him. You can tell they were big fans of his college career. His personality radiates throughout the building whenever he’s around. Never seen anything like it.” Sanders will reportedly start out on the depth chart behind both Kenny Pickett and Dillon Gabriel. 

“However, one source reportedly believes Sanders “will take little time” in showing the Browns why he should be QB1. The Browns rookie QB isn’t just a fan-favorite, he’s a PLAYER favorite too.”

Well, it looks like the rookie is busy creating the chemistry he would need with the rest of the team to become a starter eventually. He is being perceived well.

As Shedeur Sanders is gearing up for the QB competition with Dillon Gabriel and the rest in the room, he has also made his feelings known about the rookie QB who was signed before him in the draft.

Shedeur Sanders on the Dillon Gabriel competition!

Dillon Gabriel is all about growing within the team. He’s embracing the challenges being thrown his way. As he has said, “I love it. It’s competition. It’s making all of us better.” But Gabriel isn’t just about the competition. While there’s a lot of talk around the league about Gabriel vs. Sanders, Gabriel’s all in with the team.

“For me, we’re in a room full of not just us — Kenny, Joe and Deshaun. For us, we know how important a healthy QB room is. But also, a team that you want to be a part of. How do you create an environment every single day where everybody can be their best? That’s just pushing one another, which talent naturally does. Naturally, it’s healthy. For us, we all go do our thing, and everyone wins,” he said earlier this month. And what about Shedeur Sanders?

Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders are prime examples of what a QB room should look like. There’s no bad blood. Just pure respect and the drive to bring the best in each other. He said earlier this week: “Everything’s been cool – He’s a cool person. I like how he handles situations, especially just the negative media that’s coming his way. I’m just happy he’s positive, he’s able to handle everything. We’re truly cool.”

With both the fresh talents in the Browns’ locker room lifting each other up, we see great teamwork at play.

Dillon Gabriel, just like Shedeur Sanders, has walked away from massive NIL deals to get a shot on the gridiron. Neither QB is giving an inch away as they work on their mission to be QB1 for the Browns. Sanders’ popularity certainly gives him the public vote of confidence, but Gabriel loves the competition. As they continue to work towards the team’s future together, one thing’s for certain: We will see great things from both of them. What do you think?