Nationally recognized NFL analyst sounds off on Browns' Shedeur Sanders critics

Shedeur Sanders is up there in the ranks as one of the most hated Cleveland Browns quarterbacks in team history, but there is really no reason for it.

The 144th selection in the 2025 NFL Draft was thrown to the wolves in his rookie season, and looked okay. He had moments where he showed that talent that drew eyes his way in college, but also had teaching moments that showed he was still a rookie.

Through it all, though, Sanders remained humble and spoke to the Cleveland media about being driven to become a future face of the city. Widely known and respected NFL and draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. came out in support of Sanders earlier this week.

“I don't know what else the kid needs to do," Mel Kiper Jr. said. "Everything about Shedeur Sanders screams he's the quarterback. People are gonna be like, ‘Oh, where's he ranked?’ Forget that. Look at the interceptions that were off of Jerry Jeudy, off of Judkins' shoulder, batted balls. When you look at what Shedeur did this year, not having any training camp, never with the 1s—defense or offense—he was thrown out there playing in brutal weather conditions.

"If you are gonna sit there and tell me you weren't impressed with the rookie year of Shedeur Sanders, you weren't watching the same game I was."

On draft night and throughout the season, Kiper Jr. remained built on the belief that Sanders is one of the top young talents in the league. He was particularly disappointed when he fell all the way to the later rounds of the draft, defending his accuracy, toughness and playmaking abilities.

Shedeur Sanders throws a pass in the first quarter between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Cleveland Browns. | Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Sanders' 2025 season

The 23-year-old threw for 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions on a 56.6% completion mark. He played in eight games, started in seven, and was given the reins to the offense for the backhalf of the campaign.

His best showing came at home from Huntington Bank Field in a two-point loss to the Tennessee Titans, 31-29. He had season-highs in attempts (23), completions (42), yards (364) and touchdowns (3), while also scoring a rushing touchdown, the lone one of his rookie season. It was his only multi-touchdown game of the season as well.

The unfortunate part about being a rookie, though, is that reality can come crashing down.

Over the next four games, Cleveland won two, but Sanders' stats were pretty rough.

He threw for 631 yards, two touchdowns and seven interceptions with an average passer rating of 58.9.

His statistics, across the board, were showing glaring signs of issues that needed to be improved upon. However, they also showed that he was at least trying things. Sanders was attempting to make plays, extend drives and put the Browns in situations to win. While it cost the team some games, other times it paid off.

With a few months to get more adapted to the professional game, Sanders is poised to continue to grow heading into 2026.

The Offseason

When asked about his goals and aspirations for the offseason, Sanders spoke to taking some time to reflect on the season and spending time with family first.

"Of course, first and foremost, I gotta go see Shiloh [his brother]," Sanders said. "Go hang out with him for a bit. I heard he got some Christmas gifts for me. So I'll go see about that probably tomorrow or something.

"Then, after that, really just be with the family... then get back to work. And connect with the guys [his teammates] earlier... just overall getting better. Looking at everything that happened this year will transpire. And going into next year with a fresh mind."

2026 will have Sanders on the chopping block. He'll have to prove that the Browns are able to build around him and make him the future of the franchise. The former Colorado Buffalo has the talent and mentality to make it happen; the only thing he has to do now is put it all together out on the gridiron.

"A lot of people want to see me fail and it ain't gonna happen," Sanders said.