The early going at rookie minicamp is being called by some a "reality check'' for Shedeur Sanders.
And why?
Because the third-round rookie QB Dillon Gabriel took his turn ahead of Sanders, the fifth-round rookie QB.
That's not a "reality check.''
That's called a "depth chart.''
Want real reality? Touted as he is, Shedeur Sanders is far more likely to get cut in 2025 than he is to play for the Cleveland Browns in 2025.
When Sanders finally got the (real) call on Day 3 of the NFL Draft, the young quarterback had a burden lifted off his shoulders. The football world had spent days ridiculing his shocking draft slide, but he finally got his team: the Cleveland Browns.
Now that the moment has passed, it is realized that Sanders has a mountain to climb before touching the field. The Browns have a suddenly packed quarterbacks room with some unique circumstances surrounding that truth.
In a vaccum, Deshaun Watson is the clear No. 1 and the starter for the team. But a serious Achilles injury could keep him out for the year, so that option is off the table.
That leaves two veteran free agent signings and two rookies to compete for the starting job. At this point, one could argue Sanders is at the very bottom of that food chain despite his reputation.
Sanders was taken in the fifth round, two rounds after the Browns picked Dillon Gabriel.
That means the Browns think Sanders is inferior to Gabriel.
As it stands now, Joe Flacco has the edge for the job, having years of experience and a track record of success in Cleveland. The fan favorite will be tough to beat out in training camp, especially for the younger guys.
Kenny Pickett, who comes here via trade, is more of an unknown but should be able to maintain the No. 2 job.
And after that? Two rookies. And that starts with Gabriel, not with Sanders.