Buffs Beat

Shedeur Sanders Reacts To Cleveland Browns Locker: 'Everything I Need To Be Successful'

The Cleveland Browns are preparing for the start of their rookie mini-camp, and former Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders received his first look at his locker. A fifth-round draft pick, Sanders will begin his NFL career wearing jersey No. 12.
Jack Carlough|
Nov 16, 2024; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) before the game against the Utah Utes at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Nov 16, 2024; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) before the game against the Utah Utes at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

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Colorado BuffaloesCleveland Browns

With plenty to prove after falling to the fifth round of the NFL Draft, former Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders arrived at the Cleveland Browns' training facility on Thursday ahead of their rookie mini-camp this weekend.

Sanders, along with Cleveland's other draft picks, got his first look at his locker inside the Browns' headquarters in Berea, Ohio. In a video posted by the Browns' X account, the youngest son of Colorado coach Deion Sanders showed off his Nike Air DT Max '96 sneakers, a team notebook and his orange No. 12 practice jersey.

"I got everything I need to be successful," Shedeur Sanders said in the video.

Apr 4, 2025; Boulder, CO, USA; Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) passes the ball at the University of Colora
Apr 4, 2025; Boulder, CO, USA; Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) passes the ball at the University of Colorado NFL Showcase at the CU Indoor Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Michael Ciaglo-Imagn Images | Michael Ciaglo-Imagn Images

Cleveland's mini-camp will run from Friday through Sunday. Other draft picks ready to make a strong first impression include defensive tackle Mason Graham (Michigan), linebacker Carson Schwesinger (UCLA), running back Quinshon Judkins (Ohio State), tight end Harold Fannin Jr. (Bowling Green), quarterback Dillon Gabriel (Oregon) and running back Dylan Sampson (Tennessee).

Shedeur Sanders and Gabriel join a quarterback room that also includes veteran Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett and the injured Deshaun Watson. It's to be determined how many quarterbacks coach Kevin Stefanski will carry on his 53-man roster, but the competition will likely continue well into the preseason. Gabriel is expected to work ahead of Sanders on the Browns' depth chart during offseason workouts, according to Cleveland.com's Mary Kay Cabot.

In another video posted on X, Sanders took in the Browns' practice fields for the first time and made note of Stefanski's 43rd birthday.

"It's a good vibe," Sanders said. "Y'all gotta tell coach Stefanski happy birthday. Y'all supposed to bring a cake to practice."

MORE: Shedeur Sanders' Wants To Build Colorado Buffaloes Into 'Super Team' With NIL

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MORE: NFL Insider Reveals Shedeur Sanders' Standing In Cleveland Browns Quarterback Battle

After selecting Sanders and Gabriel in the NFL Draft, Browns general manager Andrew Berry opened up on Cleveland's unique decision to select two quarterbacks. Both are coming off big college seasons, although Sanders was projected to be drafted ahead of Gabriel, who went in the third round.

"We talk oftentimes about quarterback being the most important position in the sport," Berry said. "We obviously spent a lot of time with Shedeur throughout the process. He's highly accurate, can play well from the pocket, very productive college career. It wasn't necessarily the plan going into the weekend to select two quarterbacks, but as we talk about, we do believe in best player available. We do believe in positional value, and we didn't necessarily expect him to be available in the fifth round."

Nov 29, 2024; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) celebrates a third quarter touchdown
Nov 29, 2024; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) celebrates a third quarter touchdown pass against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Other former Buffs who were drafted last month include Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter (Jacksonville Jaguars) and wide receivers LaJohntay Wester (Baltimore Ravens) and Jimmy Horn Jr. (Carolina Panthers). The Ravens held their rookie mini-camp last weekend while the Jaguars and Panthers begin theirs Friday.

Sanders' older brother, former Colorado safety Shilo Sanders, is also traveling to Tampa Bay for the Buccaneers' rookie mini-camp.

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Jack Carlough
JACK CARLOUGH

Jack Carlough is lead reporter for Colorado Buffaloes on SI. Jack graduated from the University of Colorado with a bachelor's degree in journalism and minors in business and sports media. Born and raised in the Boulder area, Jack began covering Colorado athletics in 2018 and 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 the USA Today Sports Network's Colorado Buffaloes Wire, where he covered Colorado's hiring of head football coach Deion Sanders. Other publications Jack has written for include the Boulder Daily Camera, Left Hand Valley Courier and SB Nation’s Ralphie Report. In 2022, the Colorado Press Association awarded Jack second place in its annual Class 5 Best Sports Column Writing category.

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