Shedeur Sanders, 144th Pick, Debuts at Browns Minicamp With Jersey No. 12 and +1500 Rookie of Year Odds

Shedeur Sanders, selected 144th overall in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns, has arrived in Cleveland and participated in his first rookie minicamp. Wearing jersey number 12, Sanders joins a quarterback competition with Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, and fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel, who was drafted 94th overall. Despite his late draft position, Sanders carries high expectations due to his collegiate success and profile. During the minicamp, Sanders and Gabriel alternated reps, with both quarterbacks taking turns in team drills. Sanders was seen throwing two touchdown passes and participating actively in practice sessions. Sanders is known for his accuracy and pocket presence, ranking first in completion percentage (74%), third in off-target rate (6.5%), and posting a 2.1% interception rate during his final college season. He averaged 2.96 seconds per throw but led the FBS in sacks taken over the past two years, an area identified for improvement. The Browns' quarterback room remains unsettled, with Deshaun Watson expected to miss a significant portion of the 2025 season due to injury. Sanders will compete for playing time, and if he earns the starting job, he could become the first fifth-round rookie quarterback to start a season opener in the Common Draft Era. The Browns traded up to select Sanders with the 144th pick. Sanders' arrival has resulted in the best-selling rookie jersey and comparisons to Bronny James. His father, Deion Sanders, joked about his jersey number during Sanders' first look at his Browns locker. Sanders expressed confidence, stating, 'I got everything I need to be successful.' He is currently listed at +1500 odds to win Offensive Rookie of the Year.