Shedeur Sanders’ Early Success Met With Caution From Cleveland Browns Analyst

Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders impressed at minicamp and OTAs, finishing with a reported 77 percent completion rate, but longtime NFL analyst Tony Grossi warns against drawing conclusions too early when evaluating the former Colorado Buffaloes star.

Jun 10, 2025; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) talk to the media during minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images | Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders is off to a strong start in Cleveland.

The former Colorado Buffaloes star impressed early during offseason workouts, reportedly leading all Browns quarterbacks, with a completion rate of just over 77 percent, completing 41 of 53 passes through rookie minicamp and OTAs.

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

Here are the QB totals from the 5 Browns open media practices (OTAs and minicamp) this spring.

Who do you think should be the Browns QB1? pic.twitter.com/daBfqHvn58

— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) June 12, 2025

Yet, despite the buzz surrounding Sanders' efficient start, not everyone is sold just yet.

Speaking on ESPN Cleveland radio, Browns analyst Tony Grossi addressed the growing excitement around the rookie quarterback following a strong spring showing.

“You have to put that into context,” Grossi cautioned. “Training camp is a different level of intensity, where they actually defend. And a lot of those numbers were built on air passes, practically. He did alright, but don't get carried away with those numbers.”

If Shedeur Sanders keeps playing well in training camp, how can the Browns overlook him? @TonyGrossi shares his thoughts... pic.twitter.com/2aCRBubEbw

— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) July 21, 2025

While Grossi warned against reading too much into the numbers, it's hard for Colorado fans rooting for Sanders' success to ignore the early production rate. And if Sanders continues to impress as training camp heats up, it could become something that Cleveland coaches can't overlook.

When you watch all the clips of Shedeur Sanders, you see why his tape said he was a 1st Round QB. He plays with NFL timing and rhythm, reads with his feet, plays ahead of the defense, has more than enough arm strength and he knows how to layer the ball. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/9tW8IdX0Gs

— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) June 4, 2025

While quarterbacks Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett are widely expected to compete for the starting job early, there’s already speculation that the loser of that veteran battle could be traded before the season begins, with the Tennessee Titans named as a potential landing spot in need of a stabilizing presence at quarterback.

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However, in terms of the rookie quarterback battle, after selecting two quarterbacks in the 2025 NFL Draft, Dillon Gabriel in the third round and Sanders in the fifth round, the Browns' front office is unlikely to rush into any rookie trade conversations without a thorough evaluation of the talent they have, especially considering that the Browns also hold two first-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Still, Grossi believes the Browns are in no rush to evaluate Sanders.

Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders speaks with coach Kevin Stefanski during practice at minicamp June 11, 2025, in Berea, Ohio. | Jeff Lange / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Rather than throwing Sanders into the mix too soon, Grossi suggested the Browns are content with letting things develop at a slower pace for the day 3 pick.

“I think the plans for Shedeur—you have to look at it as a four-year plan, not a four-week plan,” Grossi explained.

“I don't think they feel the urgency to rush either of those guys in. They want to develop them over time. They probably think it will be Gabriel, because of all the extensive work they've done on him. That's why they drafted him higher. I could see Shedeur spending a lot of this season inactive on Sundays," he continued.

Jun 12, 2025; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) listens to a play call during mini camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images | Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Grossi is right that Gabriel saw more passing reps this spring and entered Cleveland’s quarterback room as the higher draft investment, selected 50 picks ahead of Sanders in the third round. That context matters.

But context cuts both ways. In the same environment, Sanders outperformed his fellow rookie and quietly delivered the most efficient numbers of the four quarterbacks on the depth chart.

Jun 12, 2025; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Dillon Gabriel (5) and quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) during mini camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images | Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Whether or not Grossi is convinced, Sanders is doing precisely what late-round quarterbacks have to do: maximize every rep.

Now, as training camp and the competition intensify, Sanders will have more chances to prove he belongs in the NFL.

And if Sanders continues stacking strong performances and maintains a high completion rate as the competition ramps up, even Tony Grossi may have a hard time questioning how long Cleveland can afford to keep him on the sideline.