Kevin Stefanski Praises Rookie Shedeur Sanders Following Browns Minicamp

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After wrapping up mandatory minicamp, Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski had plenty of positive things to say about rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders. The former Colorado Buffaloes standout has been turning heads in Berea with his impressive work ethic, enthusiasm, and dedication to learning the NFL game. Even though Sanders faces stiff competition in a packed quarterback room, he’s clearly making the most of every opportunity. In a recent appearance on the Cleveland Browns Daily podcast, Stefanski shared his impressions of Sanders after several weeks of organized team activities (OTAs) and minicamp practices.

“He’s a very, very hard worker; he has fun when he’s in the building,” Stefanski said. “I’m enjoying watching him progress with every single meeting, with every single rep.”

Despite being a fifth-round draft pick, Sanders is standing out for all the right reasons. According to Stefanski, the rookie has been arriving early, staying late, and taking extra reps after practice. That kind of effort is exactly what coaches love to see in young players trying to earn a spot on the final 53-man roster. Sanders’ positive attitude has also made an impression on his veteran teammates, especially 40-year-old Joe Flacco. The two quarterbacks have developed a strong rapport during team meetings. Stefanski even joked about their age difference, saying, “Joe will say a couple of things, and I’ll be like, ‘Joe, Shedeur wasn’t born. He wasn’t born then.’” The dynamic between Flacco and Sanders seems to be a highlight of the quarterback room. Statistically, Sanders has been solid so far. According to ESPN Cleveland, he completed 41 of 53 passes for nine touchdowns and just one interception during the five open practices of OTAs and minicamp. While offseason numbers should be taken with a grain of salt, it’s a good early sign for a player who still has a lot to prove.

Looking ahead, the Browns’ quarterback situation remains uncertain. With Deshaun Watson recovering from injury and veterans like Flacco, Kenny Pickett, and Dillon Gabriel also in the mix, it’s unclear how many quarterbacks the team will keep heading into the season. However, Sanders is focused on what he can control: learning, working hard, and improving each day. In a competitive environment like the NFL, effort and attitude often go a long way. If Sanders continues on this path, he could very well find himself as a future contributor in Cleveland, whether this year or down the road. As Coach Stefanski put it, “He continues to get better every single day, and that’s the fun part.”