Cleveland Browns star pass rusher Myles Garrett is among the many impressed by rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders’ early approach to life in the NFL.
Sanders is part of a crowded four-man quarterback competition, vying for a spot on the depth chart alongside veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett, as well as fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel. While the fifth-round pick faces an uphill battle to secure the starting job by Week 1, his attitude and effort have made an impression on teammates and coaches alike.
After throwing out the first pitch at a Texas Rangers game, Garrett praised Sanders for how he’s handled himself during his first NFL offseason.
“I think everyone was surprised to see him go to the fifth round, but he’s come to camp and OTAs with a great attitude,” Garrett said. “He’s a hard-working guy; he has a great head on his shoulders. And, you know, he’s always positive, always optimistic, always keeps a smile on his face, and you like going to work with people who have that kind of attitude.”
Browns CB Denzel Ward Also Had Positive Review of Shedeur Sanders
Sanders, once projected as a first-round pick, slipped down draft boards before the Browns selected him at No. 144 overall. Despite the unexpected fall, Sanders hasn’t let disappointment linger. Instead, he’s earned respect from veterans like Garrett.
And Garrett is not the only Pro Bowler whom Sanders has impressed. Cornerback Denzel Ward also expressed his opinion on Sanders, which was accidentally relayed by Chad Johnson.
“I talked to Denzel Ward… (expletive), I shouldn’t say his name,” Johnson said on a recent episode of “Nightcap” with Shannon Sharpe. “But anyway, I talked to ‘some people,’ and (Shedeur) looked different.
“Whether he’s going with the first team, second team, or third team. It don’t matter. I understand getting drafted in the fifth round. All that means nothing when it’s time to play football, and that whistle blows. He looks different than the rest of the competition. That’s what I heard.”
Shedeur Sanders Still in Mix to Start for Browns
Sanders has seen limited time playing with and against the starters during OTAs and minicamp. He’s functioned mostly as the fourth quarterback in the rotation. However, Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski has been clear that there is no pecking order yet among the quarterbacks and all four are still in the mix for the starting gig.
“We’re so far away from that type of thought process,” Stefanski said during minicamp. “Honestly, it’s a, we’re in our installation phase. It’s the offseason, it’s OTAs, so we’re going to keep the focus there. Once you get into training camp, of course you’re getting ready to play games and ultimately getting ready for playing the season. But right now that’s not our focus.”
Flacco and Pickett are expected to have the edge in the competition thanks to their experience, but as the Browns work through the offseason, Sanders’ steady approach could keep him in the mix for meaningful opportunities, whether sooner or later.
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