There’s been a lot of talk about Deion Sanders possibly preventing his son, Shedeur, from joining the Cleveland Browns. However, the team remains unperturbed, confident that “Coach Prime” won’t block the move if the NFL draft plays out that way.
Shedeur Sanders is widely expected to be one of the top quarterbacks chosen in April. With the Browns holding the No. 2 overall pick, just behind the Tennessee Titans, their need for a quarterback is clear. However, general manager Andrew Berry doesn’t foresee any issues should they decide to draft Sanders.
“We have a lot of respect for Coach Prime,” Berry shared with Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com during the Senior Bowl. “The program he’s built at Colorado is impressive, filled with tough, disciplined kids. I have tremendous respect for him and the players coming out of that program. That’s evident not just with Shedeur but also with the kids who played at the Shrine Game from Colorado. You could really see his influence on them.”
At the Shrine Bowl, Shedeur Sanders was approached by a former Colorado teammate in a social media clip, where he was asked about the possibility of joining the Browns.
“I don’t know where I’m going. I’m just thankful, bro, wherever it’s taking me,” Sanders said.
Browns May Not Use No. 2 Pick on a QB
The Browns are set to address their quarterback situation this offseason. Deshaun Watson, who re-injured his Achilles, requires a second surgery that will likely sideline him for much of next season. However, the injury doesn’t dramatically alter the Browns’ plans, as they were already expected to explore all quarterback options.
Despite the team’s need for a quarterback, it’s not guaranteed that the Browns will use their high draft pick on one. Other top prospects like Penn State pass-rusher Abdul Carter and Heisman winner Travis Hunter could be available.
“The quarterback position is the most important, so we’re always going to put in a lot of work on it, no matter the state of our roster,” Berry explained. “But you don’t want to feel pressured to take someone if the right player isn’t available. The most important thing is making sure we make the right decision.”
Browns View Shedeur Sanders, Cam Ward as Strong Prospects
Some analysts suggest that this year’s quarterback draft class lacks the star power seen in previous years, like Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, Bo Nix, and Drake Maye.
However, Berry isn’t convinced that a quality starting quarterback can’t emerge from this group.
“I believe there are talented passers in this draft, and I’d be hard-pressed to believe that there isn’t at least one, if not more, who could become a quality starter,” he said. “A lot of it depends on the right environment to help maximize these players.”
While Berry didn’t go into detail about the Browns’ specific evaluations of these quarterbacks, he emphasized the importance of creating the right conditions for their success.
