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Football season is almost in full swing now. OTAs began on Tuesday for several teams, including the AFC champion Kansas City Chiefs. While a lot of eyes are on Patrick Mahomes and co., another AFC team continues to garner the attention of the national media: the Cleveland Browns. The main reason? Shedeur Sanders.
Following his infamous draft slide, Sanders has made himself at home in the Browns organization. He has handled his situation with class, while developing strong bonds with his new teammates. That could go a long way for him, as the Browns are in the midst of a quarterback battle between him, fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel, Kenny Pickett and Joe Flacco. Some believe Sanders could start sooner than later, but he may already be behind the eight ball.
Shedeur Sanders' slow release a concern for Browns fans at OTAs
While Gabriel and Sanders ran a throwing drill back-to-back, some Browns fans couldn't help but point out that Sanders should be getting the ball out quicker. That's a concern because it was pointed out in the pre-draft process that Sanders likes to pat the ball before throws.
Although you can't see both quarterbacks' releases in the clip, it does appear that Gabriel's comes out quicker, as soon as tight end Brenden Bates break on his route. Sanders' throw seems to come out a bit later, with tight end Harold Fannin Jr. catching the ball almost at the sideline.
Some fans also noticed that Fannin had to reach behind for the ball, while Bates could catch it in stride. It's possible that Gabriel just put more mustard on the ball with more arm strength, which was considered one of Sanders' weaknesses coming out. One fan thought Gabriel "looks perfect so far".
Dillon Gabriel appears to be ahead of Shedeur Sanders in Browns QB battle
It was kind of telegraphed last week that the Browns coaching staff views Gabriel ahead of Sanders. A report emerged from longtime Browns journalist Mary Kay Cabot that Gabriel and Pickett would be splitting first and second team reps, while Sanders would be relegated to third and fourth string duties alongside Flacco.
Sanders still has plenty of time to make further impressions on the gridiron. Although it seems that Gabriel is ahead, that could change at any point in time during camp and in the leadup to the preseason. Although eyes are on Gabriel and Sanders, though, Pickett still appears to be the leader in the clubhouse to start Week 1.