NFL training camps are beginning across the country, which means the debates over starting roles are intensifying.
No discussion is more pertinent in Colorado Buffaloes circles than Shedeur Sanders and the quarterback competition that is going on with the Cleveland Browns.
Sanders showed his talents during OTAs, but with Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett and fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel also vying for the starting job, he will need an even more impressive performance during training camp.
Former Brown wide receiver Andrew Hawkins believes Sanders will start at some point during his rookie season and that the Cleveland fans will be part of the reason.
“Quarterback Shedeur Sanders will be the Cleveland Browns starter by their Week 9 bye week,” Hawkins said on ESPN’s “Get Up.” The voice of the fans is going to get louder as the season goes on. I think we know who Kenny Pickett is, we know who Joe Flacco is, and I think Shedeur should play instead of Gabriel.”
Hawkins is not saying anything crazy, and Sanders starting for the Browns by the mid-point in the season would not be surprising, whatever.
Mike Tannenbaum, a former NFL general manager, went a step further, saying that Sanders should start even earlier.
“Start him sooner,” Tannenbaum exclaimed. “You have two first-round picks next year. You need to know what you have in Shedeur Sanders. He is a better prospect than Dillon Gabriel. Trade Kenny Pickett and use Joe Flacco as your bridge quarterback. Let’s see what we have in Shedeur who is a very talented quarterback.”
🔥 Shedeur Browns QB1. National Media Speaking the Truth
"The voice from the fans is going to get louder as the season goes on. He is a better prospect than Dillon Gabriel. He is a very talented QB. Trade Pickett"
📽️ @GetUpESPN https://t.co/ERbaNhpwAt pic.twitter.com/LoW2XVoXOb
— JaKi 🇺🇸 (@JaKiTruth) July 21, 2025
Tannenbaum does not provide an exact timeline for when Sanders might start, but if the Browns were to trade Pickett before the season begins, as he suggests, that would signal that Sanders has demonstrated enough to start for the Browns.
Cleveland Browns’ training camp will be fascinating to watch as we analyze how Kevin Stefanski and the Browns coaching staff divide up reps between their two rookie signal callers. Practices begin this week, and with every report, we will keep you up to date on all Shedeur Sanders updates.
