Rookie starter with elite pressure rate, dead-last time to throw, but capable backup floor.

Sanders fell to No. 144 overall (sixth QB selected) in the 2025 draft despite the source arguing he deserved to be drafted toward the end of the third round. As a rookie starter in Cleveland, he earned seven starts and threw for 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions. His -.25 EPA/attempt ranked 26th among 32 rookie starters since 2020, and he ranked No. 1 in pressure rate (55.3 percent). His biggest flaw remains playing on 'Shedeur Sanders time' rather than on time with the offense; he ranked dead last among NFL rookie starters since 2020 in average time to throw (3.20 seconds). His processing from the pocket was problematic—he tended to be either too indecisive or in search of the fastest possible outlet regardless of coverage. Unlike supremely gifted passers such as Caleb Williams or Josh Allen, the source emphasizes Sanders cannot sustain a career playing with such a high margin for error. However, Sanders displayed above-average aptitude for sensing the rush and smoothly evading it; when playing fast and on the move, he delivered catchable and accurate throws with anticipation. His game versus Tennessee (23-for-42, 364 yards, three passing TDs, one rushing TD, one pick in a narrow loss) demonstrated he is capable of being a solid No. 2 NFL quarterback. The source projects Sanders as a reliable backup who can hold the fort for a few weeks if a starter gets hurt—comparable to Andy Dalton or Teddy Bridgewater—and notes there is still a role for Sanders in Cleveland and in the NFL at large if his grasp of NFL offenses and defensive speed continues to improve.

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