Browns draft won’t be defined by Shedeur Sanders but he could define the future
The amount of ink (actually key strokes) that will be devoted to QB Shedeur Sanders will be massive and understandable. Not only is he not the usual fifth-round pick, but he also presents a unique opportunity for the Cleveland Browns moving forward. As currently constituted, Sanders is among the least important parts of the Browns 2025 NFL draft class but could be a game changer moving forward.
The biggest move by Cleveland GM Andrew Berry was trading out of the second overall pick, which gives them options in the 2026 NFL draft.
What if Sanders is the next Brock Purdy?
While we’ve noted that the Browns are likely looking for a quarterback prospect with a higher upside than the one they saw with Baker Mayfield, Purdy is a relatively appropriate comparison for Sanders. Both are accurate, smaller and lack elite arm talent but have enough to be successful.
Could that be enough for Cleveland to pass on taking a quarterback in 2026’s draft? A look at Purdy’s rookie year, which gave the San Francisco 49ers a ton of confidence in their young QB moving forward, could set realistic expectations for Sanders. Remember, HC Kyle Shanahan “knew” how good Purdy was long before he got on the field in regular season action:
While fans may want to see Sanders on the field, coaches and front offices will have enough information as practices happen behind closed doors.
If Sanders gets on the field, as Purdy did as a rookie, it may not be for many games. Purdy started five games and threw passes in seven in 2022. His stat line was good, but Shanahan limited his passing reps. In basically six full games, Purdy’s stat line:
- 114 of 170 – 67%
- 1,374 yards passing
- 13 TDs
- 4 INTs
- Sacked 11 times
- 22 rushing attempts, 13 yards and 1 rushing TD
In those six games, Purdy’s top yardage was in an overtime game where he threw for 284 yards. Only twice did he attempt more than 26 passes in those games, including in that overtime victory.
Pro Football Focus graded Purdy at 77.7 overall and 75.1 as a passer in 2022, 14th overall that season. Those grades have jumped into the 80s over the last two seasons.
If Sanders gets on the field in 2025, HC Kevin Stefanski will do best by limiting his passing attempts and giving him an opportunity to grow into the position like Purdy did. As it was with Purdy, the Browns are likely to know if Sanders is their quarterback of the future with the combination of training camp, practices and time he gets on the field.
Hitting on Sanders like the Niners did with Purdy would give Berry a ton of options in 2026, including selecting a player with one of their first-round selection while turning the other one into more picks and, potentially, putting them in position to select WR Jeremiah Smith in 2027.
Do you think Purdy is a good comparison for Sanders? If Shedeur has a similar season as Brock did as a rookie, is that good enough to pass on a quarterback high in the 2026 NFL draft?
Share your Sanders/Purdy thoughts in the comment section below