Shedeur Sanders was expected to shine in his first few practice sessions with the Cleveland Browns, and he’s doing exactly that. In fact, he’s not just meeting expectations; he’s blowing right past them.
The rookie quarterback, son of NFL legend Deion Sanders, is already creating a stir during Organized Team Activities (OTAs) with a performance that’s equal parts precise and electric.
According to early reports, Sanders is showing off the same accuracy that made him a standout in college, delivering crisp, on-target passes during individual drills. But it’s not just his arm that’s turning heads. It’s his confidence, too. With a swagger reminiscent of his Hall of Fame father, Sanders is commanding the field with a poise well beyond his years.
Teammates and coaches are taking notice. Sanders has been rotating reps with other quarterbacks, but every snap is a chance to shine, and so far, he’s doing just that.
Shedeur Sanders Thrives At the OTAs
The NFL teams kicked off their voluntary Organized Team Activities (OTAs), marking Phase 3 of the offseason program. These early sessions, which focus on non-contact drills such as 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 work, are critical for evaluating player chemistry, integrating rookies, and shaping depth charts ahead of mandatory minicamps in June.
Among the most compelling storylines of this year’s OTAs is the Cleveland Browns’ quarterback competition, and front and center is rookie Shedeur Sanders.
The buzz surrounding Sanders has only grown louder as he took the field for the first time with most of the team’s veterans. This shift marks a crucial development, indicating that reps are no longer just about showcasing talent but all about earning a spot.
During Day 1 of practice, Sanders didn’t just show up; he delivered. One highlight saw him lay a perfect pass to wide receiver Gage Larvadain in the end zone, a throw so clean it immediately made rounds on social media.
Not long after, Sanders dropped another eye-popping dime, this time to tight end Brenden Bates. Fans on the sidelines erupted, with one exclaiming, “What a throw, and a hell of a catch.”
It’s not just fans or media taking notice, veteran quarterback Joe Flacco reflected on the generational moment he’s now part of, saying, “I probably wasn’t too far away from playing against his dad, and now I’m playing with him.” A surreal full-circle moment, and a sign of just how quickly Shedeur has earned the respect of the locker room.
And if you’re wondering how he’s stacking up statistically, early reports show Sanders already went 7-of-9 in passing, with three touchdowns during drills. That level of poise and efficiency is rare, especially for a rookie quarterback in his first few reps with the team.
Yes, it’s still early. These are non-contact sessions, and there’s a long way to go before the real decisions are made. But in a league where first impressions matter, and in a QB room as competitive as Cleveland’s, Sanders is making every snap count.
Jerry Jeudy Approves the Shedeur Hype
Shedeur Sanders‘ impact in Cleveland isn’t just being felt by coaches and fans, it’s resonating with the players, too. After just one day of OTA practices, even Browns star wide receiver Jerry Jeudy is showing signs of real excitement about the rookie quarterback.
On his latest Instagram post, Jeudy liked a comment that read, “12 to 3 gone feed families,” referring to Sanders (No. 12) connecting with Jeudy (No. 3). It’s a powerful statement that suggests a growing belief within the locker room that this duo could become something special.
The comment doesn’t just reflect hype, it reflects expectation. A veteran receiver publicly embracing a rookie QB through subtle actions like this sends a strong message.
Chemistry between quarterback and receiver is everything, and this early endorsement from Jeudy signals that he’s buying into Shedeur’s potential.
Off the field, Sanders is also winning hearts. After Day 1 of OTAs, he took time to pose for a group photo with kids, highlighting his character and approachability.
As Sanders builds trust with teammates and community alike, it’s clear he’s not just stepping into the league, he’s stepping up.
