NFL analyst backs Shedeur Sanders for Browns success

The Cleveland Browns are spoiled for choice with their quarterback options in the 2025/26 NFL season and an analyst backs Shedeur Sanders to be the one who wins the starting spot.

The 23-year-old from the Colorado Buffaloes will compete against Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett and Dillon Gabriel in the short term whilst the controversial Deshaun Watson could return at a later date.

And Damian Parson tips the son of Coach Prime to be the one to beat the opposition and win the honor of starting at the Huntington Bank Field from the head coach, Kevin Stefanski.

"On the field, Sanders has shown high-level accuracy and anticipation during the rookie minicamp seven-on-seven throwing drills," Parson said to Bleacher Report. "He is getting the ball out with precision and shows good placement.

"Who the Browns' franchise QB will be is unknown, but Sanders has the most ing skill and potential on their roster to earn that title.

"The majority of Day 3 picks don't get the opportunity to take a prominent role in year one. Sanders is not a typical fifth-round pick and could become an immediate starter and impact player."

Whether Stefanski agrees waits to be seen, but Parson is right that Shedeur is not a conventional Day 3 pick. He was initially expected to be a first-rounder but slumped all the way to 144th for what NFL executives hinted was related to off-field problems.

In the NCAA for the Buffaloes, he was impressive and delivered 4134 ing yards for 37 touchdowns at Folsom Field as he and Travis Hunter inspired the team to reach the Alamo Bowl.

Allowing just 10 interceptions, he proved to be capable of putting up the numbers and dependable.

For example, with a better team, his fellow Browns rookie Gabriel produced 3857 yards and 30 touchdowns with the Oregon Ducks, who had a 13-0 record and made it to the Rose Bowl.

But there is clearly a lot of attention on the youngster thanks to his parentage, talent and his controversial outing in the 2025 NFL Draft. He's managed to outsell all other rookie jerseys, including Hunter - who went on to win the Heisman Trophy.

Who do the Browns play in Week 1?

The Cleveland Browns had a miserable time of it in the 2024/25 NFL season, finishing fourth in the AFC North with a dismal 3-14 record (.176) as Watson found himself sidelined early once again.

The team ended the campaign on a six-game losing streak, including a 35-10 blowout to Lamar Jackson's Baltimore Ravens, as they finished six games back from the Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC North.

In 2025/26, they will look to take a step forwards with their new QB rotation, as well as players such as David Njoku on offense and Myles Garrett on defense.