{"id":665544,"date":"2026-01-09T04:40:20","date_gmt":"2026-01-09T04:40:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/665544\/"},"modified":"2026-01-09T04:40:20","modified_gmt":"2026-01-09T04:40:20","slug":"nfl-draft-guru-makes-bold-shedeur-sanders-claim-for-browns","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/665544\/","title":{"rendered":"NFL Draft guru makes bold Shedeur Sanders claim for Browns"},"content":{"rendered":"

With the NFL <\/a>regular season wrapped up, eliminated teams like the Cleveland Browns are evaluating their roster talent to identify their primary needs.<\/p>\n

ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper said on a show thinks the Cleveland Browns should stick with quarterback Shedeur Sanders for the 2026 season.<\/p>\n

MORE: Bold Predictions for the NFL Wild Card playoff games<\/a><\/p>\n

During an appearance with NFL analysts Field Yates and Mike Greenberg, Kiper said, \u201cI don\u2019t know what else the kid needed to do,\u201d when discussing the Browns quarterback evaluation.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know what else the kid needed to do,\u201d \u2013 Mel Kiper Jr says Shedeur Sanders did more than enough to be the Browns QB1 in 2026. <\/p>\n

Do you agree? pic.twitter.com\/JB3eGIRepX<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) January 7, 2026<\/a> <\/p>\n

Sanders started seven games for the Browns in 2025 and went 3-4 in those games. He completed 56.6% of his passes for 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns, and ten interceptions.<\/p>\n

The 144th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Sanders supplanted other Browns\u2019 rookie Dillon Gabriel, who started six games earlier in the season.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Quarterback Sanders in first quarter of the Week 18 game between Cincinnati and Cleveland on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026.<\/p>\n

Cleveland is expected to be in the quarterback market in some capacity this offseason, even if they decide to stick with Sanders. Mel Kiper has quarterbacks Dante Moore and Fernando Mendoza ranked one and two, respectively on his draft big board<\/a>. <\/p>\n

MORE: DJ Lagway transfer portal decision major win for Big 12 football program<\/a><\/p>\n

With the Browns drafting at number six overall, it\u2019s possible they won\u2019t have the opportunity to select either player.<\/p>\n

Yesterday, Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson declared for the NFL Draft. Though he is expected to be the third quarterback drafted, the sixth pick is likely too rich for his talents. The Browns may look to free agency or trade options for quarterback competition. Some players who may be available this offseason include: Malik Willis, Kirk Cousins, and Marcus Mariota.<\/p>\n

\u2014 Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead <\/a>\u2014<\/p>\n

NFL: Positional needs for the 18 eliminated NFL teams<\/a><\/p>\n

CFB: 2026 college football transfer portal: What schools are paying by position<\/a><\/p>\n

MLB: Athletics dealt setback in move to Las Vegas<\/a><\/p>\n

NBA: Draymond Green slams Jordan Poole after Mark Williams-Jose Alvarado fight<\/a><\/p>\n

ENTERTAINMENT: Snoop Dogg bashes current NBA players for lack of physicality during NBC broadcast<\/a>
SPORTS MEDIA: Steelers-Ravens wild NFL finish is better with viral international announcer calls<\/a><\/p>\n