Shedeur Sanders’ Depth Chart Spot Seen as 'Good News' for His Path to Browns QB1

Shedeur Sanders’ Depth Chart Spot Seen as 'Good News' for His Path to Browns QB1 originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

Shedeur Sanders’ name was buried on the Cleveland Browns' first official depth chart of the 2025 season. Listed fourth at quarterback behind veterans Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, and rookie Dillon Gabriel, the placement raised eyebrows among fans who expected more immediate opportunity for the former Colorado Buffaloes star.

But not everyone sees the slide as a bad sign.

ESPN Radio’s Evan Cohen offered a different take, calling the move “actually really good news” for Sanders, arguing that the decision could signal a strategic investment in his long-term future as Cleveland’s quarterback of the future.

Speaking on ESPN Cleveland, Cohen framed the listing not as a demotion, but as a developmental tactic.

“Kenny Pickett is currently hurt. Dillon Gabriel, Shedeur had that shoulder injury. But I took this yesterday, guys, as actually really good news for Shedeur Sanders,” Cohen said. He went on to explain that Sanders has reportedly handled himself well on and off the field, impressing team personnel with his demeanor and maturity.

How Can Shedeur Sanders’ Depth Chart Placement Fuel Him to be Better?

Cohen suggested that the Browns may be deliberately challenging Sanders, believing in his upside but making him earn his opportunity.

“They're not handing him anything,” Cohen continued. “He’s in essence the second string because the other two guys ahead of him are hurt, anyway... They could have easily listed him as a second string. But it’s probably more of a ‘You’re fourth string, you’re lucky these two guys are hurt. Keep working, keep doing the right things.’”

.@EvCoRadio thinks that yesterday was GOOD news for Shedeur Sanders and his outlook to become Browns QB1 🤔🤔🤔 pic.twitter.com/UufQRmEgnQ

— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) August 5, 2025

Cohen concluded by saying the decision to keep Sanders low on the chart may reflect belief in his potential, not doubt in his ability.

“They seem to be putting him through the wringer a little bit... I kind of like this for Shedeur.”

How Has Sanders Handled the Setbacks?

Sanders’ slide down NFL draft boards earlier this year was one of the more polarizing storylines of the 2025 NFL Draft. Despite a prolific career under his father, Deion Sanders, at Colorado, he was passed over by every NFL team several times before landing in Cleveland.

Still, the 22-year-old quarterback never lashed out publicly or played into the noise.

He accepted the draft moment with humility and a focus on work ethic, making it clear in interviews and social media that he was determined to prove himself.

Even after the Browns’ recent depth chart snub, Sanders has stayed composed. There have been no leaks of frustration or complaints. He’s appeared locked in at camp, showing glimpses of the arm talent and football IQ that made him a standout in the Big 12.

His professional approach may be exactly what’s helping him earn quiet support behind the scenes.

Being pushed to the bottom of the depth chart is not the end of the story for Sanders, it may be the beginning of one that Cleveland intends to slow-play with patience and purpose.

As the Browns continue shaping their quarterback room, it’s clear that Sanders' development is being closely monitored. The low listing on the chart doesn’t necessarily reflect how the franchise values him, and if Cohen’s read is right, this might be part of the plan all along.

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Related: Deion Sanders Sets Plans in Motion to Bring Family Closer After Health Scare

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 5, 2025, where it first appeared.