NFL draft buzz is growing around Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders potentially landing with the Cleveland Browns at the No. 2 overall pick.
The upcoming draft’s biggest question remains where Sanders will be selected, with projections ranging from a top-five pick to a much later selection.
The Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns and New York Giants hold the first three picks respectively, and all three teams need a franchise quarterback. Initially, reports suggested the Browns might pass on quarterbacks Sanders and Cam Ward in favor of Penn State pass rusher Abdul Carter.
However, recent speculation indicates the Browns may select a quarterback with their second overall pick.
Former NFL scout and current analyst Todd McShay said on his eponymous podcast that Cleveland’s best path forward is drafting Sanders, with head coach Kevin Stefanski potentially developing him into a viable NFL quarterback.
“They’re more handcuffed by any other organization by one contract. Deshaun Watson,” McShay said. “You need to win at some point real soon to save your job … So, how do you solve the crisis? They have a crisis at the quarterback position … Deshaun Watson is the worst contract given to an individual maybe in the history of sports. So how do we manage? What’s our best path.
“They just need solid quarterback play. They don’t need elite quarterback play … No. 1, [Browns GM Andrew Berry] can’t expect to be picking this high again … and if they are, Berry and Stefanski are very likely out of jobs. No. 2, because of the Watson deal you don’t have the cap space to make any big-ticket signings. So, Cleveland’s best chance of winning short and long term is to strike gold with this No. 2 pick.
“If I’m Andrew Berry, my greatest asset in this whole mess is my head coach. Stefanski is my greatest asset. Stefanski has a proven track record of getting the most out of pocket passing quarterbacks with limited mobility.”
McShay believes Sanders could realistically end up in Cleveland.
“Right now, I truly believe that Shedeur Sanders is in play with that No. 2 pick for the Cleveland Browns.”
The Browns have struggled with quarterback selections for years. Their previous first-round picks Johnny Manziel and Baker Mayfield failed to meet expectations in Cleveland. The team traded Mayfield in 2022 and acquired Deshaun Watson, a three-time Pro Bowler who underperformed before tearing his Achilles in October.
Browns fans have watched Mayfield find success with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers while their quarterback situation remains unsettled.
Sanders threw for 4,134 yards and 37 touchdowns last season at Colorado.
Questions persist about Sanders’ character, with some critics suggesting his draft stock is inflated due to being the son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, who coached him at Colorado for the past two seasons.
