Browns Draft Shedeur Sanders 144th Overall; No. 1 Rookie Jersey Seller Competes for Role, Will Wear No. 12

Shedeur Sanders, formerly at Colorado, was selected by the Cleveland Browns with the 144th overall pick in the fifth round of the NFL Draft, despite earlier projections placing him as a potential top-five pick. The Browns also drafted quarterback Dillon Gabriel in the third round, adding to a crowded quarterback room that includes veterans Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, and Deshaun Watson.

Sanders' draft position and the Browns' roster situation have led to public commentary, including from Robert Griffin III, who stated that Sanders is 'set up to fail' due to being the fourth quarterback on the depth chart and facing limited opportunities for practice reps. Griffin highlighted that Sanders, despite being No. 1 in rookie jersey sales, will have to compete for a role amid Gabriel being chosen before him.

The Browns organization has indicated that Sanders will be treated like any other fifth-round draft pick, with no special allowances for his popularity. General Manager Andrew Berry and Head Coach Kevin Stefanski have both emphasized that Sanders' focus should be on making the team and earning a role, noting that all rookies must adapt quickly to the new environment and system.

During rookie minicamp, Dillon Gabriel reportedly took the first reps in team drills ahead of Sanders, prompting questions about the quarterback hierarchy. Stefanski downplayed the significance of this order, stating that the team does not place much emphasis on who takes the first snap and that the evaluation process will continue throughout the offseason.

Both Sanders and fellow rookie Travis Hunter will wear No. 12 at the start of their NFL careers, as DeAndre Carter received No. 2 under the Browns' policy giving veterans priority in jersey selection. Sanders arrived early to minicamp and began acclimating to the team's facilities.