- NCAA. Arch Manning is challenging Quinn Ewers' complacency: What's the Texas Longhorns' next move for both?
- NCAA. Shedeur Sanders enters the Texas Quinn Ewers or Arch Manning debate and gives his verdict
Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders has been making headlines this season, and his latest performance is turning heads for all the right reasons. On Saturday, Sanders delivered one of his most impressive displays yet, racking up 323 yards and completing 25 out of 30 passes. With three touchdowns, zero interceptions, and a passer rating of 195.8, it marked the third-highest rating of his career with the Buffaloes. It's no surprise that NFL scouts are keeping a close watch.
Debates over Sanders' potential as a top NFL prospect have been heating up. While some experts, including Pro Football Focus, rank him at No. 21 overall, others are far more optimistic. In fact, CBS Sports has Sanders in the top three of their latest mock draft, despite bumping him down from the top spot. According to their predictions, Sanders is projected to be selected by the Browns at the No. 3 slot, right after his teammate Travis Hunter and Miami's Cam Ward.
If the Browns do make the bold decision to draft Sanders, it would certainly raise eyebrows. The team's current quarterback, Deshaun Watson, has been sidelined with a torn Achilles tendon, and there are serious questions about his future in Cleveland. Watson's injury could mean he's done for the season, or possibly longer, but with the massive contract the Browns have committed to, it's unclear if they are willing to move on just yet.
Since their franchise reboot, the Browns have struggled to find stability at the quarterback position, despite multiple attempts through the draft. Names like Tim Couch, Brady Quinn, Brandon Weeden, Johnny Manziel, and Baker Mayfield have all passed through Cleveland, only to end up as cautionary tales of failed potential. In total, those five first-round picks combined for just 173 games with the Browns, leaving fans to wonder if the organization is cursed when it comes to finding a reliable QB.
Could Shedeur Sanders finally break the cycle, or is this just another gamble that Cleveland can't afford to take?
The question remains whether the Browns are ready to invest in another top-tier quarterback prospect, especially after committing so much financially to Watson. Despite his setbacks, Watson's future isn't entirely ruled out, and there's always a possibility he could bounce back next season. However, the uncertainty around his recovery timeline and recent performance has left the door slightly open for a new face at the helm.
Cleveland's decision could come down to weighing their past mistakes against a potential future star. Sanders has proven he has the skills to make it big, but would taking a chance on him signal a new era for the Browns, or just another addition to their long list of quarterback misfires? Only time will tell, but with the NFL Draft on the horizon, all eyes are on Cleveland.