Former NFL player turned analyst Louis Riddick remains high on Shedeur Sanders, as the rookie quarterback prepares for his rookie campaign in the league. After his dramatic slide in the 2025 draft, Sanders got to work fast to be in the best possible shape for training camp and the preseason.
As things stand right now, the Cleveland Browns are bracing for a four-man quarterback competition between Sanders, fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel and two veterans in Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett.
The scenario appears to be set up for Sanders to have a real chance at becoming the Browns' starting quarterback, but not everybody believes he will come out victorious in this race.
A couple of weeks ago, Sanders made a strong impression during the team's rookie mini-camp. Per Kyle T. Mosley of Sports Illustrated, the rookie QB made accurate passes at multiple ranges, connecting with both receivers and running backs.
He was pitted against Dillon Gabriel on the first day of the minicamp and performed well, according to sources. The latest developments have given Riddick the confidence to say Sanders will start for the Browns at some point in the 2025 NFL campaign.
A clip of the former safety on Tuesday's episode of ESPN's "Get Up" (via "JaKi" on X) shows how confident Riddick is that it'll be a matter of time before Sanders takes the field as the Browns' starting quarterback.
"It's not ridiculous, although that's a start on the road in Pittsburgh," Riddick said. "It's not ridiculous, but if you're looking to really set him up, I think Week 7 is a home game of Cleveland against the Miami Dolphins.
"I wouldn't be shocked to see Shedeur Sanders, in a true competition, wind up winning the starting job coming out of training camp. I don't see that being ridiculous, either. I'm a believer in the guy, I'm a believer in his talent, I'm a believer in his makeup, I'm a believer in his football horsepower. I think he has a good as chance as any to surprise everyone as far as people who are naysayers."
With Deshaun Watson likely out of the race for this spot, Sanders will go against three players who are trying to prove something, too. Despite being a star in college, his NFL career was off to a tumultuous start during the draft.
He's now focused on helping his team compete after a 4-13 2024 campaign. Time will tell how he fares, but Riddick believes Sanders will eventually get the job.