The Cleveland Browns may have hit on their Shedeur Sanders’ draft pick. The first round prospect fell into their lap with the 144th overall pick, however, he didn’t look like the 144th best player in his first pre-season game.
Sanders threw for 2 touchdowns and showed off his accuracy on multiple occasions against the Carolina Panthers. However, it was his depth chart spot that had fans talking after the game.
Shedeur Sanders’ Updated Depth Chart Spot Goes Viral, Fans Irate
Aug 8, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) on the field in the third quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
Aug 8, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) on the field in the third quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
Although rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders had a strong preseason debut, it did not change Cleveland’s depth chart:
Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Browns’ Week 2 preseason depth chart remained the same with Sanders as their No. 4 quarterback behind Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett and Dillon Gabriel. Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com noted that Flacco and Pickett will be resting for Saturday’s preseason matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Sanders got the start in Friday’s preseason opener against the Carolina Panthers and had an impressive showing. In a little under three quarters, he completed 14 of his 23 passes for 138 yards and two touchdowns while adding 19 rushing yards. The Browns went on to win 30-10 following his hot start.
“I’m comfortable with being uncomfortable, so that’s what it is,” Sanders said after the game, per ESPN’s Daniel Oyefusi. “I got pockets of finding my rhythm, and I got to get into that quicker, regardless of anything. But overall, I felt like me out there, and I couldn’t do it, of course, without the time. I couldn’t do it without the playcalling. I couldn’t do without anything.”
Aug 8, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) during the second half against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
Aug 8, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) during the second half against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
Still, Sanders has yet to receive reps with the first-team offense during training camp. Flacco has done most of the work and appears to be the frontrunner for the starting job. Pickett and Gabriel have been dealing with hamstring injuries, opening the door for Sanders to start against Carolina.
It’s clear that Cleveland is not rushing Sanders during his rookie season, but he will have the chance to prove his worth once again when he takes the field against Philadelphia this weekend.
Aug 8, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) looks downfield for a receiver during the second half against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
Aug 8, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) looks downfield for a receiver during the second half against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
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