Shedeur Sanders took the field Tuesday for his first appearance at Cleveland Browns Organized Team Activities (OTAs), officially kicking off his push for the starting quarterback job heading into the 2025–26 NFL season.
While he was present at rookie minicamp, this was his first real action with most of the team.
The former Colorado Buffalo was selected with the 144th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft after many projected him as a first-rounder. Some even had him going in the top 10. He wasn’t the only quarterback Cleveland added either, as the Browns also drafted Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel with the 94th pick.
All eyes were on both rookies on Day 1 of OTAs, with added attention on Sanders after his unexpected fall in the draft. Fans thought he looked sharp in his first real NFL action.
As OTAs continued on Wednesday, the spotlight remained on the two quarterbacks. A video surfaced showing Sanders throwing a touchdown, delivering a perfectly placed pass to the corner of the end zone to tight end Brenden Bates.
Fans saw the clip on social media and were quick to praise Sanders.
"Elite ball placement," one fan said.
"He's got good touch and timing in the red zone," another wrote.
"Nice placement, excellent catch," added another.
"Legendary2," one said.
"QB1," another wrote.
"Too easy," a fan said.
Sanders also finished the day completing 7-of-9 passes for three touchdowns and no interceptions.
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12)
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12)
© Jeff Lange / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Sanders is only on Day 2, but if he can keep making those kinds of throws, with or without pressure, there’s no reason he can’t claim the starting job. While at Colorado, he won the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, was named Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year, and earned AP Second-team All-American honors.
The 6-foot-1, 212-pounder also threw for 4,134 yards, 37 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions in his senior season.