- NFL. Jerry Jeudy shows for Shedeur Sanders as potential QB1 following Browns first OTAs practice
- NFL. Shedeur Sanders isn't the long-term plan for Cleveland Browns, who have eyes on the 2026 NFL Draft already
Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel, Joe Flacco, and Kenny Pickett played their first snaps in front of the media during the Browns' organized team activities (OTAs). On the second day of practice, the 40-year-old Flacco showed the rookie QBs how it's done in the NFL as he enters his 18th NFL season.
After Day 2 of OTAs wrapped up, the seasoned vet told the media, "The best way to be a mentor is to just show people how you go to work," according to The Athletic's Zac Jackson. With two rookie quarterbacks in the QB room, Flacco will have a lot on his plate and said: "I have a lot of experience and can talk on thing but it's not my job to make sure thye listen to me".
So, it seems it's up to Sanders and Gabriel to learn as much as possible from the vet. Despite the age gap, Flacco believes he connects well with the rookies. "Just from experience, I think the young guys tend to get a kick out of me because I'm 40 years old and could probably be their father," Flacco said.
Flacco seens closer to Gabriel than Sanders
During Cleveland's special teams portion of practice, Dillon Gabriel stayed close to Joe Flacco and a member of the coaching staff, while Shedeur Sanders appeared isolated, throwing a few es with no one nearby. Meanwhile, Kenny Pickett was reviewing the playbook with a couple of coaches.
It looks like Gabriel is making the most of the opportunity to play alongside an 18-year NFL veteran like Flacco, trying to soak up his knowledge during every practice. It's a smart move for a rookie who's fighting to earn meaningful minutes.
In the Browns' offensive drills, Kenny Pickett went first, Dillon Gabriel second, Joe Flacco third, and Shedeur Sanders fourth. Pickett and Gabriel each played 16 snaps, Flacco played 14, and Sanders only 9. Even though Sanders had fewer snaps, he threw 3 touchdowns-the most among the QBs-and wasn't intercepted. Gabriel, on the other hand, had 1 touchdown and was picked off once.