Shedeur Sanders’s story in the NFL has been nothing short of a rollercoaster. While many franchises and fans expressed their surprise at the drop. But in the end, ‘it is what it is’. And just as surprising as Sanders’s drop to the fifth round was, there was something much more surprising. It was the fact that the Cleveland Browns drafted Sanders as their fifth-round pick, even after picking Dillon Gabriel in the third round. Creating confusion amongst the Browns fans as to what the team’s strategy is.

While the team’s thinking might not be very clear to us right now, one thing is for sure: Sanders will need to be at his best. That is exactly what Browns legend Hanford Dixon has said to Shedeur on his show. While talking about what Sanders’s mentality after being drafted so late, he said, “One thing that he realizes that [Deion] has told him is it doesn’t matter where you were drafted, the most important thing is that you were drafted.” That’s right. Well, Dixon didn’t stop there.

Dixon cited his own example. He further added, “You have to show your talent. Uh, you have to lead by example. And I think uh that’s one of the things that he’s going to attempt to do on this football team. But I think competition brings out the best in everyone. When I played, I never uh shied away from competition because competition made me a better player.” No one can doubt Dixon’s abilities.

Fans remember Dixon, the Browns’ 1981 draftee, for his exceptional ball-hawking skills and his legacy as one of the greatest cornerbacks to ever wear a Browns jersey. From 1982 to 1988, he recorded at least two interceptions each season, serving as a cornerstone of the defense during one of the franchise’s most successful periods.

Sanders also shared a similar mindset and didn’t care about his draft round. Sanders has even compared himself to Tom Brady with respect to being picked late. Pretty ambitious. “I’m here to work and win,” Sanders said while talking to reporters. “I think everything off the field, that’s going to handle itself. On the field, of course, that’s where I want my personality and that’s what I want to be known for, is the one that came here and changed the franchise,” he added.

Even the Cleveland Browns‘ head coach kept it open when it came to the position of starting quarterback. According to reports, Kevin Stefanski made it clear in the rookie minicamp that no one has a confirmed spot on the team. He stated that every player, regardless of draft position, must earn their spot on the team. This means that every quarterback has a fair chance of making it to the team and becoming a starter. Essentially, signaling off a massive competition for the spot.

Who will be the Browns’ starting quarterback?

As the race to become the Browns’ primary quarterback begins, it won’t be easy for any of the contenders. Whether it’s experienced veterans like Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett, or promising rookies like Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. While it may be premature to compare the veterans to the rookies, the recent rookie minicamp has certainly offered a glimpse into which young player might have the upper hand.

With the rookie minicamp now concluded, one name has stood out above the rest: Shedeur Sanders. Former NFL running back and FS1 analyst LeSean McCoy called Sanders “the best player out of the whole camp.” Even journalist Zac Jackson, discussing the competition between Gabriel and Sanders on his show, remarked, “In terms of throwing the ball? It’s no comparison—Shedeur Sanders,” likely referring to Sanders’ 81.5-yard throw, which was a standout moment of the minicamp.

Of course, excelling in a rookie minicamp doesn’t guarantee success against veteran players or in actual NFL games. However, it does serve as an early indicator of a rookie’s potential to succeed at the next level. And for now, it appears Sanders has outperformed Dillon Gabriel and holds an early edge in the competition.