NFL draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. has not given up hope on Cleveland Browns rookie Shedeur Sanders. A former first-round projected pick ended up with the AFC North team with the 144th overall selection last year. Despite starting as the third-string option on the depth chart, he got the opportunity to end the season as the team’s QB1.

On Wednesday’s episode of “ESPN Cleveland,” Kiper discussed Shedeur’s future with the Browns as they begin a new chapter under coach Todd Monken. He compared him to the 2025 first overall pick and Tennessee Titans quarterback, Cam Ward.

“The way he competed, the arm strength, in those weather conditions, didn’t have an issue there,” Kiper said. “And in terms of mobility and athleticism, he showed that. People was thinking he couldn’t do that. He held up physically, taking hits, some incredible shots he took. To me, I don’t know what else you want.

“When he was on the field with Cam Ward, did you see much of a difference there? The No.1 pick and a fifth-round pick. Did you see much difference? I didn’t. Obviously, he’s proven to be better than Dillon Gabriel, who’s a third-round pick. Is he the quarterback of the future? I think he is. The doubters and the haters are going to be out there saying he’s not. We’ll see. We’ll see how it plays out. But I got to believe he’s surpassed expectations by miles considering what he had overcome this year.”

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Shedeur Sanders started in seven games for the Browns in eight appearances. He recorded 1,400 yards and seven TDs passing while the team finished fourth in the AFC North with a 5-12 record. Coach Kevin Stefanski was fired after six seasons, while Todd Monken was brought in as his replacement.

However, the team has not yet completely placed its faith in Coach Prime’s son to continue as the starter. Reports suggest that the Browns are looking to strengthen their quarterback depth chart through the draft and free agency.

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Analyst Jason Whitlock gives his verdict on Shedeur Sanders vs. Deshaun Watson QB1 battle

The Browns are expected to welcome Deshaun Watson to the quarterback competition this offseason.

Jason Whitlock came forward to discuss the competition between Shedeur Sanders and Watson for the QB1. He gave his vote of confidence to the three-time Pro Bowler.

” If Deshaun Watson is in a QB battle with Shedeur Sanders, I think Deshaun Watson wins that race, like Usain Bolt in a 200-m dash,” Whitlock said on his show. “I think Deshaun Watson, despite the mental meltdown, despite the rust, he’s better than Shedeur.”

Watson missed the entirety of the 2025 campaign due to a re-ruptured torn Achilles tendon. However, since joining the team in 2022, the $230 million quarterback has just played in 19 games while recording 3,365 yards and 19 TDs passing.