ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler believes fifth‑round rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders did exactly what the Cleveland Browns hoped for during OTAs and minicamp: he “put the ball into tight windows” and attacked downfield with confidence. Coaches liked the aggressiveness, Fowler told “NFL Live,” adding that Sanders’ accuracy stood out even in limited work.

That early buzz does not guarantee a meteoric rise up the depth chart, however. Fowler cautioned that most of the impressive touches came against the third‑team defense with little pass‑rush pressure, so the real test begins when the full roster pads up in Berea next week. Head coach Kevin Stefanski is expected to use the first week or two of training camp to rotate all four quarterbacks before “crystallizing” the pecking order.

Sanders’ path to Week 1 snaps runs through a crowded room that still features veteran Joe Flacco, offseason trade acquisition Kenny Pickett, and fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel. Beating out that trio will require consistency once live pass‑rush drills begin, something Fowler says will “probably show early on in camp” if Sanders isn’t ready.

There is reason for optimism. Long‑time Browns beat writer Mary Kay Cabot reported that Sanders’ strong finish to spring workouts earned him “a legitimate shot” to compete for the starting job in August, despite the organizational expectation that the former Colorado star would need time to adjust.

In short, Sanders has already “answered the bell” in Stefanski’s eyes, but the real grading period starts when the pads pop. If the rookie continues to pair his accurate arm with quick decision‑making against the first‑team defense, Cleveland’s quarterback derby could turn into one of the league’s most compelling camp storylines.