It’s not even been a week since the Browns actively joined their fifth-round pick, Shedeur Sanders, to threaten the Giants from releasing the video of their pre-draft interview. Even the way he carries himself on the field contributes to this narrative. Some see a quarterback completely in control, someone who’s ice cold under pressure. Others? They see a lack of urgency, a sense that he’s not taking things seriously enough. But looks like that rumor is close to breaking, thanks to the Browns’ Day Day 2 of the rookie minicamp on May 9, in Berea, where Sanders let his arm do the talking.

Andrew Berry, the GM of the Browns, added 27 tryout invitees to play along with the seven draft picks and 13 signed undrafted free agents. This would then allow the head coach to conduct a full-scale practice of 90 minutes that included two 11-on-11 team periods and two 7-on-7 periods between 47 players.

Cleveland insider Brad Stainbrook also attended the camp, trying to get a sneak peek of the college prodigy. Originally perceived as the backup quarterback behind 94th pick Dillon Gabriel, Shedeur is proving exactly why everyone is wrong—perhaps even more motivated after Tom Brady’s inspiring words to him (which we’ll talk about a bit later). The first instance of a changed man came after Day 1 when Stainbrook revealed a vital piece of information: “Yes, it’s just the first day of rookie minicamp — but Shedeur Sanders looked sharper than Dillon Gabriel. This is only the beginning. The competition is real, and it’s going to be one of the stories of the season.” However, as Day 2 rolled by, it was clear that Sanders is not that young buck anymore. He’s seriously committed to the role. Need proof?

On May 10, Stainbrook again revealed, “#Browns QB Shedeur Sanders remained on the practice field for about 20 minutes after each rookie mini camp practice concluded to get extra reps in with offensive skill players.” That’s his desire to become the best. The road to NFL Mount Rushmore is filled with sweat, pain, tears, blood, and consistency. Even in his rookie minicamp, he looked comfortable under the center and in shotgun in the two main competitive periods. However, a similarity spotted between his pro day workout and now was how some of his passes bobbled. But one simply cannot deny that the 23-year-old has a way of getting the ball to his target in time. While that’s that, he wasn’t able to display his long ball game on his first day.

He’s walking a tightrope. In the NFL, numbers will speak, results will tell everyone about his quality. But ‘arrogance’ is the loosely thrown-around word behind his confidence about what he brings to the table. Time will tell which side of that line he ultimately falls on. Is it self-belief or brashness? A bit of both is required to be a top-tier quarterback. Ask Tom Brady, and he’ll surely tell you all about that as he did the former Colorado Buffaloes signal caller…

As per a revelation by the seven-time Super Bowl champion himself during a podcast appearance earlier this week, “I actually texted Shedeur because I know him very well,” Brady said And I said, ‘Dude, like whatever happens, wherever you go, that’s your first day. Day 2 matters more than the draft.’ I was 199. So, who can speak on it better than me? Like what that really means. Use it as motivation, you’re going to get your chances, go take advantage of it.” Reacting to the same, Shedeur Sanders also had some choice words to say…

“That was it, that my story’s going to be similar. I was a late-round draft pick, but we’re here now, so none of that stuff matters. That just mattered on the day, and I’m just excited to be here, ready to work,” he said. In fact, in a wild co-incidence, the 23-year-old has been seen sporting the No. 12 jersey—the same number Brady wore throughout his NFL career. Notably, Sanders used to wear the No.2 for the Buffs, and when asked whether he’d do the same with his new team, the QB answered with hilariously honesty: “I’m not trying to buy anything. My signing bonus ain’t that high right now.”

Sanders is managing every type of pressure you can imagine. Family name, quarterback, and obviously, the expectation of the NFL community! But he relies on nothing other than hard work. It’s easy to spot the flash, the watches, the celebrations. But behind the scenes, there’s a quarterback trying to make it in the league. Hours of unseen work—the early mornings, the late nights, the constant film study, the extra throws when nobody’s noticing.

If he didn’t anticipate it, he will soon understand one thing. The competition is intense! And he will have to win the position with his skill and courage.

The Browns start Dillon Gabriel over Shedeur Sanders

However, the Browns‘ HC, Kevin Stefanski, also surprised the fans. For those of you who did not notice, the Browns also drafted the Oregon QB Dillon Gabriel in the third round (94th overall). And everyone was surprised when the coach started him on the first snap in the first 11-on-11 period. However, it doesn’t mean he is ignoring Shedeur Sanders.

The Browns’ coach cleared his stance, saying, “We don’t pay too close attention to who’s in that first snap.” The message is clear. He wants to see what talent they already have. “I thought both guys did a really nice job, and there’s so much to work on. And it’s the minutiae of the position, it’s some technique things, it’s the operation needs to get better, all those things,” he said while praising both rookies.

The 24-year-old was accurate on most throws against the air and in the 7-on-7 and team periods. Even a few of his catches were dropped by the receivers who were present on a tryout basis. Notably, his RPMs on his throws were better than Sanders’, while his tight spirals displayed thorough consistency. And if a comparison is allowed, then some may say that he looked like a left-handed Russell Wilson- short but wide, dominant, and oozing confidence.

Gabriel’s journey required him to adapt. UCF, then Oklahoma, now Oregon. Each system had its own rules, coaching staff, and even expectations. But he learned the survival of the fittest by dedicating himself to every playbook he got. It forced him to be open and learn the skills to adjust.