Shedeur Sanders’ entry into the NFL sparked debate and recalibrated expectations on both the field and in draft circles. As the Cleveland Browns navigate another uncertain year under center, analysts are raising a provocative question: Could Sanders already be better than any quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft class?
CBS Analyst Says Browns’ Shedeur Sanders Could Outshine Entire 2026 QB Class
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Sep 28, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) warms up before the game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: David Reginek-Imagn Images
It’s not often that a fifth-round rookie gets compared favorably to an entire future draft class. However, according to CBS Sports analystEmory Hunt, Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders might already be better than any prospect set to enter the 2026 NFL Draft. Hunt made the bold claim on theRoss Tucker Podcast earlier this week, sparking a sharp debate about Sanders’ trajectory and the perceived weakness of next year’s quarterback class.
“Shedeur (Sanders) and Cam Ward are far and above better than whoever the top quarterback would be in this class,”Hunt said on October 23, insisting that teams are “just recycling names” like Garrett Nussmeier and Drew Allar without proper evaluation. It’s a strong statement considering Sanders’ uneven first NFL offseason and the Browns’ current uncertainty under center.
After two successful seasons at Colorado, Sanders joined the league with great expectations. However, he slipped to the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft due to concerns about his pocket awareness and durability. Tennessee’s Cam Ward was selected first, highlighting Hunt’s comments about talent evaluation and draft unpredictability.
The 22-year-old quarterback showed signs of confidence in the preseason. This was especially clear in his debut against the Carolina Panthers. He demonstrated accurate ball placement and control in short-yardage situations.. However, his follow-up against the Los Angeles Rams revealed growing pains with pressure recognition. Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski has since emphasized long-term “development” over immediate competition. Still, that patience could collide with organizational urgency if rookie Dillon Gabriel performs well in limited action.
Gabriel’s debut last Sunday, completing all three passes for 19 yards and a touchdown, kept the offense stable in garbage time against Baltimore. With Joe Flacco out of the rotation and Deshaun Watson’s contract clouding the cap outlook, Cleveland’s future hinges on at least one of its rookies proving starter-caliber consistency.