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Shedeur Sanders Highlights From Cleveland Browns' First Rookie Mini-Camp Practice

Fifth-round NFL Draft pick and former Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders looked sharp during the Cleveland Browns' first rookie mini-camp practice on Friday. Sanders split reps with fellow rookie quarterback and third-round draft pick Dillon Gabriel.

Jack Carlough

May 9, 2025; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) throws a pass during rookie minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
May 9, 2025; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) throws a pass during rookie minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images / Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
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Quarterback Shedeur Sanders donned an NFL helmet for the first time on Friday as the Cleveland Browns opened their rookie mini-camp.

It was a relatively controlled environment without pads, but the former Colorado Buffaloes quarterback made several impressive throws with Browns coach Kevin Stefanski, offensive coordinator Tommy Rees and quarterbacks coach Bill Musgrave looking on. Fellow recent draft pick and former Oregon Ducks quarterback Dillon Gabriel took the first snaps in 11-on-11s, although Stefanski urged the media to avoid reading into that decision.

Cleveland Browns quarterbacks coach Bill Musgrave, left, works with quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) during NFL rookie minica
Cleveland Browns quarterbacks coach Bill Musgrave, left, works with quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) during NFL rookie minicamp at the Cleveland Browns training facility on Friday, May 9, 2025, in Berea, Ohio. / Jeff Lange / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Check out some of the top highlights from Sanders' first day of rookie mini-camp:

Early Work With Quinshon Judkins

Second-round draft pick Quinshon Judkins, a former 1,000-yard running back with the Ole Miss Rebels and Ohio State Buckeyes, caught his first passes from Sanders.

Dart In 11-on-11s

One of Sanders' better throws of the day came in 11-on-11s. The former Colorado quarterback stepped up in the pocket and delivered a healthy completion to a Cleveland wide receiver.

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Finding The Window

As he did throughout his college career, Sanders fit a pass into the perfect window on the play above. While it was during the offense-friendly 7-on-7s, his accuracy remains a strength.

Another Strong Throw In 7-on-7s

Former Colorado wide receivers Travis Hunter, Jimmy Horn Jr., Will Sheppard and LaJohntay Wester were often on the other end of a Sanders throw like this. It's still early, but Sanders has already developed some chemistry with his new wide receivers.

All Smiles

Sanders has faced plenty of adversity over the past few weeks and is now dealing with pressure to make the Browns' roster. Regardless, he appeared to be his usual upbeat self based on Friday.

Last Off The Field

According to The Chronicle-Telegram's Chris Easterling, Sanders was the last player to walk off the field after staying late to throw with tryout wide receiver Tre McKitty.

Analysis From ESPN Cleveland's Tony Grossi

Overall, Sanders and Gabriel both enjoyed a strong first rookie mini-camp practice with the Browns.

"It was in the team drills and in 7-on-7s where you could really see the differences in the two quarterbacks," said ESPN Cleveland's Tony Grossi. "Dillon Gabriel seemed to be more assertive, more decisive in dropbacks, and certainly his passes had a little more torque on them than Shedeur Sanders. And Dillon Gabriel is tremendously accurate, right on the hands most of the time.

"That's not to say Shedeur Sanders was inaccurate. Somehow he gets the ball there. He can layer the ball in even if it's not a perfect spiral. That's just the way he throws the ball."

Additional Thoughts From Browns Insider Brad Stainbrook

Cleveland Browns insider Brad Stainbrook was also on site and shared his opinion that Sanders was the "sharper" of the two quarterbacks. As Stainbrook added, this competition will be exciting to watch unfold over the next few months.

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Jack Carlough
JACK CARLOUGH

Jack Carlough graduated from the University of Colorado with a degree in journalism and minors in business and sports media. Born and raised in the Boulder area, Jack was the head sports editor of the CU Independent during his college career. More recently, he spent over three years as the managing editor of Colorado Buffaloes Wire, part of the USA Today Sports network. Other publications Jack has written for include the Boulder Daily Camera, Left Hand Valley Courier and SB Nation’s Ralphie Report.

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