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Cleveland Browns' Shedeur Sanders' Flashy Practice Stats Despite Lack of First-Team Reps

Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders continues to impress with his efficiency and command during NFL minicamp, posting the highest quarterback completion rate through two days despite not receiving reps with the first team.

Ben Armendariz

Jun 10, 2025; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) walks off the field during minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Jun 10, 2025; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) walks off the field during minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images / Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
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The Cleveland Browns aren’t handing out any information on their quarterback depth chart just yet—but former Colorado Buffaloes star quarterback Shedeur Sanders is already forcing a conversation about how long you can keep him held back from first-team reps.

Through two days of NFL minicamp, Sanders has delivered the kind of consistency and accuracy that’s hard to ignore.

Jun 10, 2025; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) throws a pass as quarterback Joe Flacco (15)
Jun 10, 2025; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) throws a pass as quarterback Joe Flacco (15) and quarterback Dillon Gabriel (5) and quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) look on during minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images / Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

While he has yet to take first-team reps, Sanders is quietly stacking up standout performances and building momentum that could translate into confidence for both the rookie and the coaching staff.

On Day 1 of Browns minicamp, Sanders completed 10 of 12 passes with two touchdowns and no interceptions—good for an 83 percent completion rate, the highest among the quarterbacks.

While veteran Joe Flacco did not throw, fourth-year quarterback Kenny Pickett completed 6 of 10 passes with three touchdowns.

Dillon Gabriel, selected 50 picks ahead of Sanders in the 2025 NFL Draft, saw the majority of reps but went just 7-for-18 with one touchdown.

After Day 1, it was also Sanders who went viral, thanks to a perfectly placed deep ball to wide receiver Gage Larvadain that drew widespread praise on social media for its touch and timing.

But the rookie wasn’t done.

On Day 2, Sanders followed up with another strong effort, completing 8 of 9 passes with one touchdown, and again posting the best completion percentage of the day.

Flacco finished 3-for-7 with a score, Pickett went 6-for-11 with a touchdown, and Gabriel—who again received the most reps—went 9-for-16 with two touchdowns.

Despite the numbers, Sanders has yet to take first-team reps.

Browns coach Kevin Stefanski downplayed any concerns, sticking to his guns from OTA's.

“Again, like I’ve told you guys, let’s not look too much into who's out there when,” Stefanski told reporters after Day 2. “We’re in our installation phase. It’s the offseason. It’s OTAs, so we’re gonna keep the focus there—but right now, that’s not our focus.”

Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) speaks with head coach Kevin Stefanski during practice at NFL minicamp, Wed
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) speaks with head coach Kevin Stefanski during practice at NFL minicamp, Wednesday, June 11, 2025, in Berea, Ohio. / Jeff Lange / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

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When Sanders was asked how he is handling the limited reps, the rookie responded with a veteran-level perspective.

“I’m managing it real well,” Sanders said.

“Overall, it’s a mentality. It’s mental ... You gotta know it’s gonna be bright days eventually, whenever the time comes. So you just always got to be prepared, and you gotta mentally take it as just an experience.”

That preparation is translating into extra effort.

After Day 2 of minicamp practice, Sanders stayed behind to throw for an additional 15 to 20 minutes—focused, and dialed in on controlling what he can.

Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders relaxes after practice during NFL minicamp, Wednesday, June 11, 2025, in Berea,
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders relaxes after practice during NFL minicamp, Wednesday, June 11, 2025, in Berea, Ohio. / Jeff Lange / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

“Everything off the field—it is what it is,” Sanders said.

“But everybody knows when it’s time to get on that grass, then you know who I am.”

Sanders delivered more highlight-worthy throws on Day 2 of minicamp, sparking another wave of reaction across social media and fueling ongoing debates about his place in the Browns’ quarterback pecking order.

While Cleveland’s quarterback competition is still in its early stages, Sanders is already making a strong case with every rep he gets.

He’s not just talking like a pro—he’s throwing like one, too.

And whether he’s working with the first team or not, it’s becoming harder to look away.

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Ben Armendariz
BEN ARMENDARIZ

Ben Armendariz is a reporter for Colorado Buffaloes On SI, part of the Sports Illustrated Network. He has a diverse background in sports journalism, media, and marketing, with experience covering college football, hockey, and professional combat sports. Ben previously worked in athletic communications at the University of Colorado at Boulder and contributed to coverage of Buffs athletics through CUBuffs.com and Sko Buff Sports. A lifelong sports fan, Ben is seeking a master's degree in Sports Management from Texas A&M University and holds a bachelor's degree in Journalism with a minor in Sports Media from the University of Colorado. His passion for storytelling, in-depth analysis, and unique perspectives on sports marketing and sponsorships set his work apart. Outside of reporting, he enjoys attending Colorado Avalanche, and Denver Nuggets games, analyzing sports advertising trends, and running his online vintage retail business.

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