Shedeur Sanders Makes Strong Preseason Debut After Late Draft Selection

When Shedeur Sanders was selected 144th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, many believed the Cleveland Browns had overlooked his potential.

The son of Hall of Famer Deion “Coach Prime” Shedeur entered the league as a fourth-string quarterback, buried behind veterans Joe Flacco, Dillon Gabriel, and Kenny Pickett on the depth chart. Few expected him to see the field this early.

But week one of the NFL preseason told a different story.

A series of unexpected circumstances paved the way for Sanders’ debut. Flacco rested during the opener, while Gabriel and Pickett were sidelined with hamstring injuries. That left Sanders with the chance to start, an opportunity many thought would come much later, if at all.

The rookie did not waste it. Against the Carolina Panthers, Sanders led the Browns to a commanding 30-10 victory. He threw two touchdown passes, completed 14 of 23 attempts, and added 19 rushing yards. For a player written off as a long-term project, it was an early statement.

While preseason performances often come with caveats, Sanders’ poise and efficiency drew attention. He orchestrated scoring drives with confidence and showcased the ability to both extend plays and protect possessions. Analysts noted that while the sample size is small, his debut hints at the potential many believed was overlooked in the draft process.

“This is only the beginning,” one team observer said. “But Sanders showed he belongs in the conversation.”