Shedeur Sanders is climbing up the NFL draft board after a strong showing at Big 12 Pro Days this week, with one analyst pegging the former Colorado star as the top quarterback in this year's class.
NFL.com analyst Bucky Brooks put Sanders as the best quarterback in this year's group, noting that his "arm talent and superb touch, timing and anticipation" make up for an overall lack of arm strength and athleticism.
Brooks also suggested the best landing spots for Sanders, including a team picking near the top of the draft with an uncertain future at quarterback. The Browns are committed to Deshaun Watson after his torn Achilles, but Brooks believes Sanders could become the heir apparent to the $230 million quarterback.
Brooks said Cleveland would be an "ideal" fit for Sanders, who could cater to Sanders' unique talents.
"Kevin Stefanski's success with classic dropback passers like Joe Flacco and Jameis Winston bodes well for Sanders' polished game as a pocket passer," Brooks wrote. "The team's reliance on various play-action concepts and rhythm throws meshes well with his skills as a touch, timing and anticipation thrower. Given the connection between Stefanski and Pat Shurmur, who was the Minnesota Vikings' play-caller when Stefanski served as that team's QB coach, the Browns could create a playbook that elevates Sanders' play as a starter."
Brooks had other teams in mind for Sanders if the Browns decide to pass at the No. 2 overall pick, suggesting the Colorado quarterback would also be a target for the Las Vegas Raiders with the No. 6 overall pick.
Related: Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders Projected to Replace Deshaun Watson in Cleveland
Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
This story was originally published March 22, 2025 at 5:38 AM.