The largest shock from the Cleveland Browns’ first unofficial depth chart for the 2025 NFL season is undoubtedly the positioning of rookie Shedeur Sanders at fourth on the quarterback depth chart, trailing not solely behind veteran Joe Flacco and second-year professional Kenny Pickett, but in addition behind fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel.
The Sudden Quarterback Hierarchy
When the Browns launched their first unofficial depth chart forward of their preseason opener, the quarterback rankings raised eyebrows throughout the NFL group. Joe Flacco, the veteran with a wealth of expertise, was unsurprisingly listed because the starter. Kenny Pickett, coming into his fourth season, secured the second spot regardless of coping with a latest hamstring harm that restricted his observe time. Dillon Gabriel, a rookie drafted within the third spherical, was positioned third, edging out Shedeur Sanders, who was a fifth-round choose within the 2025 draft and anticipated by many to make a big influence early in his profession.
Sanders’ place is especially shocking given his pedigree and school efficiency. Many analysts and followers anticipated that he may a minimum of problem for the backup place or be extra prominently featured alongside Pickett and Gabriel. As an alternative, the depth chart reveals him working predominantly with the second-team reps in coaching camp and sidelined briefly as a result of arm soreness.
The present unofficial order seems to be like this:
On the Browns’ first depth chart of the season, they listing their QBs on this order:
1. Joe Flacco
2. Kenny Pickett
3. Dillon Gabriel
4. Shedeur Sanders pic.twitter.com/p2hu5Oz9JR— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 4, 2025
This depth chart snapshot was launched almost two weeks into coaching camp and has drawn appreciable consideration for revealing the Browns’ cautious strategy to integrating Sanders. Flacco maintains the sting because the starter, partly as a result of his regular hand and expertise, and Pickett’s harm opened the door for Gabriel to climb forward of Sanders. In the meantime, Sanders continues his improvement away from the first-team highlight, a sign the teaching employees prefers a measured transition for the rookie quarterback relatively than speeding him right into a high-pressure position.
What This Means for Shedeur Sanders and the Browns
Head coach Kevin Stefanski has expressed a want to finalize the quarterback state of affairs sooner relatively than later, suggesting that whereas this depth chart is unofficial and topic to vary earlier than the season opener, the present pecking order is telling. Sanders’ placement could mirror a number of components past simply expertise, together with readiness, studying the playbook, and managing accidents.
Shedeur Sanders will get the least reps.
Shedeur Sanders will get the least time with the primary stringers.
Shedeur Sanders dimes nonetheless outweigh every part we have seen from Pickett and Gabriel mixed.
Says ALL it’s worthwhile to know. ⌚️ pic.twitter.com/5XrWrXTrxV
— Nick Karns (@karnsies817) August 5, 2025
Throughout observe classes main as much as the preseason, Flacco and Pickett shared first-team reps, reinforcing the plan to have skilled quarterbacks lead the offense initially. Sanders’ arm soreness at camp and comparatively restricted reps in comparison with Gabriel have stored him behind within the competitors, regardless of his potential upside and powerful arm expertise.
For the Browns, the quarterback battle stays fluid however reveals a cautious technique to defending the event of their younger sign callers. Sanders, who many hoped would shortly set up himself as a dynamic choice, may need to show himself over the course of the preseason and presumably past earlier than climbing greater on the depth chart. This strategy may very well be helpful by giving him time to acclimate to the NFL tempo and complexities however will take a look at followers’ endurance who had been desirous to see an instantaneous influence.
The Browns’ quarterback depth chart is a story of expertise main, improvement progressing cautiously, and alternatives nonetheless to be seized. Sandwiched at fourth, Shedeur Sanders symbolizes the largest shock, but in addition a possible sleeper story to observe as he fights to maneuver up in what might develop right into a compelling quarterback storyline this season.
Including to the intrigue, the Browns’ entrance workplace and training employees appear dedicated to fostering competitors with out speeding younger quarterbacks into the highlight too early. This measured strategy means that Sanders is considered not simply as a venture however as a long-term asset whose improvement trajectory would require endurance and correct steering. His time behind Flacco, Pickett, and Gabriel may very well be invaluable for observing NFL defensive schemes, adjusting to sport pace, and refining his decision-making beneath strain.
The Browns’ first unofficial depth chart serves as a reminder that the NFL is a “what have you ever carried out recently?” league. Shedeur Sanders’ present place isn’t everlasting. Ought to he impress throughout preseason video games and practices—as soon as totally wholesome—he might very effectively climb the ranks and place himself as a key part of the Browns’ quarterback future. For now, Browns followers will watch carefully as this quarterback competitors unfolds, with the understanding that surprises nonetheless loom forward on this evolving depth chart narrative.