Context:

Kevin Stefanski, the head coach of the Cleveland Browns, is facing criticism due to the handling of Shedeur Sanders' snaps during the team's rookie minicamp. Despite being a fifth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Sanders was expected to be a first-rounder and his lack of first-team snaps has raised questions about the quarterback battle with Dillon Gabriel, a third-round pick. Stefanski downplayed the significance of who took first-team reps, stating that evaluations will continue throughout the spring. The controversy around Sanders stems from the Browns' history with quarterbacks, particularly following Deshaun Watson's problematic tenure. Stefanski's decisions and public statements will be closely scrutinized as he determines the starting quarterback for the upcoming season's Week 1 game.

Dive Deeper:

• Kevin Stefanski is under scrutiny for not allowing Shedeur Sanders to take first-team snaps during the Browns' rookie minicamp, which sparked questions about the quarterback competition. Sanders, who was surprisingly drafted in the fifth round despite expectations of a first-round pick, is competing with Dillon Gabriel, selected in the third round.

• Stefanski attempted to alleviate concerns by stating that the team doesn't focus too much on who is playing with the first team during minicamps and that evaluations will continue throughout the spring. This approach is meant to ensure fair competition and assessment over the coming months.

• The Browns have been a polarizing team at the quarterback position, especially following the tumultuous period with Deshaun Watson. Sanders' situation has drawn comparisons to past controversies, though his case is less problematic and more concerned with potential and performance.

• The decision regarding the starting quarterback for Week 1 will be critical, and Stefanski is navigating a delicate balance in addressing media and fan concerns while making strategic choices for the team's future.

• The Browns' quarterback situation remains a focal point for fans and analysts, with Sanders' unexpected draft slide adding another layer of intrigue and expectation around his potential impact on the team's performance.

• All eyes will be on the Cleveland Browns this season, as they continue to be one of the most polarizing teams in the NFL at the quarterback position. They drafted two quarterbacks in the 2025 NFL Draft - Oregon's Dillon Gabriel in the third round and Colorado's Sheduer Sanders in the fifth round.

• Sanders had one of the most unexpected slides in NFL history as he was largely expected to be a first-round pick. After years of Deshaun Watson hanging over the team like a plague, Sanders' polarization, while vastly different and for far less problematic reasons than Watson, will certainly loom. 

• Sanders didn't take first-team snaps of rookie minicamp, those went to Gabriel. This led to Stefanski being asked about the quarterback battle, to which he said not to look to far into it.

• "I wouldn't look into anything," Stefanski said. "I think you'll see the whole weekend, going through the spring, we don't pay too close attention to who's in there first."

• While we are just beginning rookie minicamp, the Sanders questions are beginning and won't be going anywhere anytime soon. Stefanski will need to be certain about who is Week 1 starter will be, and will be walking on eggshells with every answer he gives.

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