Shedeur Sanders reveals true feelings on getting limited 1st team reps behind Dillon Gabriel at Browns minicamp

Shedeur Sanders is trying to make the most out of his limited reps in practice. On Tuesday, the Cleveland Browns' fifth-round pick in the 2025 draft said it's important to use moments like that as an opportunity.

“Life is just based on how you view different things,” Sanders told ESPN on Tuesday after the Browns first mandatory minicamp.

“So you can view things as you're not getting reps in a negative way or you can view it as, OK, when it's my time to get out there, let's be proactive and let's get warm, let's get going.”

At camp, Sanders practiced with crew backups while Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett and Dillon Gabriel received first-team reps.

“So, there's no excuses because when you get out there, nobody cares how many reps you got whenever you get in the game," Sanders added. "Nobody cares if you took a snap before. Everybody cares about production. So that's the main thing when you get out there: You got to be able to produce."

On Tuesday, Sanders and Gabriel, another Browns draft choice this spring, took most of the practice reps during the team drills. That was intentional, according to head coach Kevin Stefanski, as a way to develop the rookie quarterbacks.

"My goal is to be the best teammate and to be as polished as I can be in every aspect," Sanders said.

Deshaun Watson is also on the Cleveland Browns payroll, but he underwent surgery to repair his Achilles in January and could miss the 2025 campaign. That means it’s likely to be a four-person race for the starting quarterback job.

Shedeur Sanders showing poise at camp

Shedeur Sanders is making a solid early impression at camp in Cleveland. The son of Hall of Fame defender Deion Sanders, known for his poise under pressure, has looked calm, cool and collected.

On Tuesday, Sanders reportedly went 10 of 12 with two touchdowns in limited action with no interceptions and an 83% completion rate. That was better than Gabriel, who went 7/18 with one score, while Pickett went 6/12.

His teammates are recognizing performances like that.

“I think his dad has really taught him how to be that guy in the spotlight and understand what comes with it,” Browns CB Greg Newsome said.

The Browns open pre-season on August 8 when they face the Carolina Panthers.