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Browns | Shedeur Sanders' draft slide addressed Tue Apr 29, 12:22 PM
Cleveland Browns QB Shedeur Sanders' fall into the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft was addressed by SI.com's Albert Breer, who cited several factors in the slide. Breer highlighted one coaching staff intentionally planted mistakes in a drawn-up play that Sanders didn't catch. When called out on it, the Colorado prospect's response didn't sit well with the unnamed organization. Sanders also reportedly didn't take responsibility at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine when a coaching staff asked him about his on-field mistakes, leading to Sanders saying maybe the two parties weren't a good fit. Breer went on to mention that NFL executives simply didn't hold Sanders' ability in as high regard as the general public, and once the draft-day fall began, many possible suitors may have opted to pass on Sanders as a backup to avoid an ensuing media circus.
Footballguys view: It's hard to argue that Sanders' precipitous fall was solely about his level of play; he was widely viewed as one of the top prospects at his position heading into the week. So, the interest in all the behind-the-scenes pre-draft gossip is understandable. But it's time to put the post-mortems behind us. Sanders joins fellow rookie, third-round pick Dillon Gabriel, Joe Flacco, and Kenny Pickett in a four-way competition for the starting job in Cleveland. While his past attitude might offer insight into how Sanders will handle that competition, we'll keep most of our focus on the field, where we have Flacco currently projected as the starter. |
Cleveland Browns DE Alex Wright (triceps) said he has been medically cleared to play again.
Link to storyFree-agent WR Elijah Moore (Browns) has received an unrestricted free agent tender from the Cleveland Browns and will receive a one-year contract from the Browns worth $3.428 million if he does not sign with another team.
Link to storyElijah Moore player page
Free-agent WR Diontae Johnson (Ravens) agreed to terms with the Cleveland Browns Monday, April 28, according to sources. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.
Footballguys view: The Steelers made Johnson a third-round pick in 2019, and he has 424 receptions for 4,738 yards and 28 touchdowns. He earned Pro Bowls honors in 2021 with his lone 1,000-yard season and a career-high eight touchdowns. But over the past year, Johnson has bounced between four teams. He began last season with the Panthers, who traded him to the Ravens. Baltimore later waived him after a suspension stemming from his refusal to enter a Dec. 1 game against the Eagles. The Texans claimed him on Dec. 23, but released him during the postseason. In total, Johnson appeared for three teams in 2024, recording 33 receptions for 375 yards and three touchdowns. Although the Browns' depth chart at wide receiver remains thin, expectations for Johnson should be tempered. |
Diontae Johnson player page
Free-agent WR Diontae Johnson (Browns) recently met with the Cleveland Browns.
Link to storyDiontae Johnson player page
Undrafted free-agent TE Mitch Van Vooren (St. Norbert) has been invited to participate in the Cleveland Browns rookie minicamp on a tryout basis, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.
Link to storyMary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com reports that the Browns will not exercise their fifth-year option on Kenny Pickett's contract.
Footballguys view: Pickett was a Steelers first-round pick in 2022, and the option went with him when he was traded to the Eagles and the Browns at the end of the 2022 season. As PFT notes, Pickett went into last week set to compete with Joe Flacco for the starting job in Cleveland, but the picture looks quite different this week. The Browns drafted Dillon Gabriel in the third round and then traded up to select Shedeur Sanders after passing on the chance to draft him several times. How those pieces fit will be the object of much attention over the coming months, but the Browns passing on the options is unsurprising regardless of how things shake out. Pickett would be guaranteed $22.117 million under the terms of the option, and that's too high a price, given how things have played out over his first three seasons. |
Undrafted free-agent RB Ahmani Marshall (Appalachian State) and TE Eli Wilson (Appalachian State) agreed to terms on undisclosed contracts with the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, April 27.
Link to storyIrie Harris, from Cleveland.com, reports Cleveland Browns GM Andrew Berry says fifth-round QB Shedeur Sanders is going to have to come in and compete for his spot on the roster. "I think obviously Shedeur has kind of grown up in the spotlight, but our expectation is for him to come in here and work and compete. Nothing's been promised. Nothing will be given...we are excited to work with him." Berry said.
Footballguys view: Many felt Sanders would be a first- or second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, but he fell to Day 3 and the Browns scooped him up in the fifth round. He joins fellow rookie, third-round pick Dillon Gabriel, and an already crammed room with Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett. Hard Knocks should head to Cleveland this summer, because with a polarizing player like Sanders, everyone is going to be watching how he performs in camp. |
Joe Flacco player page
Irie Harris, from Cleveland.com, reports Cleveland Browns GM Andrew Berry believes second-round pick RB Quinshon Judkins can be their featured back. "Really a bell cow, versatile runner who can run through you, run by you, run around you. We're really excited to have him available to us at the 36 pick." Berry said.
Footballguys view: Judkins runs with violence, and he has bad intentions for would-be tacklers on every carry. In addition to his powerful style, Judkins has more speed than some think and can rip off big plays as a runner or receiver out of the backfield. The Browns will have an....interesting...offense this year, but a bell cow back in the Shanahan system HC Kevin Stefanski runs can be at least an RB2 for Fantasy GMs out there. |
Irie Harris, from Cleveland.com, reports Cleveland Browns GM Andrew Berry likes the upside of RB Dylan Sampson. "I think he really compliments our room nicely. Runs a really tough and physical style despite being a little bit undersized. He's a player who has A+ makeup and a player that we think has untapped potential in the passing game." Berry said.
Footballguys view: Sampson is an intriguing prospect who could be more than a third-down back. For the time being, the rookie is likely to compete with veteran Jerome Ford for those duties in 2025. We should see rookie second-round pick Quinshon Judkins as the bell-cow back in Cleveland this season. |
Undrafted free-agent WR Gage Larvadain (South Carolina) was signed by the Cleveland Browns Sunday, April 27, according to a league source. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Link to storyColorado QB Shedeur Sanders was selected by the Cleveland Browns with the 144th overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Link to storyTennessee RB Dylan Sampson was selected by the Cleveland Browns with the 126th overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Link to storyOregon QB Dillon Gabriel was selected by the Cleveland Browns with the 94th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Link to storyBowling Green TE Harold Fannin Jr. was selected by the Cleveland Browns with the 67th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Link to storyOhio State RB Quinshon Judkins was selected by the Cleveland Browns with the 36th overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Link to storyUCLA LB Carson Schwesinger was selected by the Cleveland Browns with the 33rd overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Link to storyOhio State RB TreVeyon Henderson and Louisiana State University TE Mason Taylor are reportedly the two players that the Cleveland Browns are eyeing with their two second-round selections on Friday, April 25 (Nos. 33 and 36 overall).
Link to storyCleveland Brown DT Mason Graham 'should play a lot of snaps immediately,' according to Zac Jackson of The Athletic.
Link to storyMichigan DT Mason Graham was selected by the Cleveland Browns with the fifth overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Link to storyCleveland Browns CB Greg Newsome and DE Ogbo Okoronkwo are 'believed to be available via trade entering the draft, 'according to FOX Sports' Jordan Schultz.
Link to storyOgbo Okoronkwo player page
Greg Newsome II player page
Cleveland Browns LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (neck) was present for the start of offseason workouts Tuesday, April 22.
Link to storyJeremiah Owusu-Koramoah player page
Free-agent CB Nik Needham (Dolphins) signed an undisclosed contract with the Cleveland Browns on Monday, April 21.
Link to storyNik Needham player page
Cleveland Browns LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (neck) is making progress in his recovery but still does not have a definite timetable for his return, according to general manager Andrew Berry.
Link to storyJeremiah Owusu-Koramoah player page
Cleveland Browns QB Deshaun Watson (Achilles) is making progress in his recovery, but his availability for 2025 is uncertain, according to general manager Andrew Berry.
Link to storyDeshaun Watson player page
Colorado WR Travis Hunter is viewed by Cleveland Browns general manager Andrew Berry as better suited to play wide receiver, but he wouldn't limit him from playing both ways.
Link to storyLouisiana State University TE Mason Taylor is on a '30' visit with the Cleveland Browns on Monday, April 14.
Link to storyFree-agent LB Julian Okwara (Cardinals) signed a one-year contract with the Cleveland Browns on Monday, April 14. Financial terms of the deal were not immediately disclosed.
Link to storyJulian Okwara player page
Cleveland Browns QB Kenny Pickett will be competing with QB Joe Flacco for the starting quarterback job during training camp but said he plans to be the starter in 2025.
Link to storyJoe Flacco player page
Arizona State RB Cam Skattebo recently had an official visit with the Cleveland Browns.
Link to storyFree-agent S Rayshawn Jenkins (Seahawks) is visiting the Cleveland Browns Friday, April 11.
Link to storyRayshawn Jenkins player page
Free-agent QB Joe Flacco (Colts) agreed to a one-year, $4 million deal with the Cleveland Browns Friday, April 11. The deal is worth up to $13 million in incentives.
Link to storyJoe Flacco player page
Ohio State CB Jordan Hancock recently met with the Cleveland Browns.
Link to storyUniversity of Oregon TE Terrance Ferguson is participating in a '30' visit with the Cleveland Browns on Thursday, April 10. He also met with the Carolina Panthers on Wednesday.
Link to storyOregon DT Derrick Harmon had an official visit with the Cleveland Browns Tuesday, April 8.
Link to storyTennessee DT Omarr Norman-Lott had an official visit with the Cleveland Browns Tuesday, April 8.
Link to storyCleveland Browns exclusive rights free-agent LB Winston Reid signed his one-year tender offer on Tuesday, April 8. Financial terms of the deal were not immediately disclosed.
Link to storyOle Miss QB Jaxson Dart, University of Alabama QB Jalen Milroe and Louisville QB Tyler Shough participated in '30' visits with the Cleveland Browns on Tuesday, April 8.
Link to storyTexas WR Isaiah Bond visited the Cleveland Browns on Tuesday, April 8.
Link to storyGeorgia LB Jalon Walker is visiting the Cleveland Browns on Tuesday, April 8, according to a source.
Link to storyCleveland Browns exclusive rights free-agent TE Blake Whiteheart signed his one-year tender on Monday, April 7. Financial terms of the deal were not immediately disclosed.
Link to storyBlake Whiteheart player page
Colorado WR/CB Travis Hunter is believed to be the leading candidate to be selected by the Cleveland Browns with the second overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, according to The Athletic's Jeff Howe.
Link to storyColorado QB Shedeur Sanders and WR/CB Travis Hunter had a dinner meeting with representatives from the Cleveland Browns Thursday, April 3.
Link to storyAtlanta Falcons QB Kirk Cousins could end up getting traded to the Cleveland Browns at some point this offseason, according to sources via The Athletic's Dianna Russini.
Link to storyKirk Cousins player page
Free-agent QB Joe Flacco (Colts) is one of the players the Cleveland Browns are considering as they look to add a veteran quarterback, according to owner Jimmy Haslam.
Link to storyJoe Flacco player page
Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders is scheduled to have a dinner meeting with representatives from the Cleveland Browns later this week, according to Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski.
Link to storyCleveland Browns DT Michael Hall Jr. (knee) underwent offseason knee surgery and will likely be sidelined until training camp, according to general manager Andrew Berry.
Link to storyCleveland Browns general manager Andrew Berry said the Browns are not worried about Penn State DE Abdul Carter's injury history.
Link to storyPenn State DE Abdul Carter had dinner with a large group from the Cleveland Browns, including ownership Thursday, March 27.
Link to story