Browns QB Shedeur Sanders Makes Vow Amid Depth Chart Shake-Up
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders says he’s done feeding into the drama.
Sanders is arguably the most high-profile fifth-round pick in NFL history, with every move scrutinized under a national spotlight. He recently made waves for miming his responses to a reporter’s questions in the locker room. It was a not-so-subtle clapback at former NFL coach Rex Ryan, who had criticized him on national television, saying Sanders was “embarrassing himself” by “running his mouth.”
Sanders was asked about his actions on Thursday but cut off the question.
“You just trying to start something, you feel me?” Sanders said. “We’re not on no negativity from now on, man, we’re not doing that. I’m just here to be positive and I don’t speak on anything negative. So that’s the new way. That’s what we’re going forward with. Anything negative, we’re not talking about it. We’re not speaking on it.”
Browns QB Shedeur Sanders Focused on Supporting Dillon Gabriel
After some speculation that practice squad passer Bailey Zappe could jump him on the depth chart, Sanders was officially named the backup quarterback on Friday.
Prior to the decision, Sanders said that his focus is on supporting starter Dillon Gabriel and remaining ready in case his number is called.
“We’re going to make sure we do everything we can to make sure Dillon is ready for the game,” Sanders said. “So each and every day, even when Joe (Flacco) was the starter, everything. Prepare the right way and be ready to know that you could get out there any point in time. So, I’m overly confident within myself. I know when I first got here, I’m ready to play, but it’s up to the coaches and whatever decision they make, then I’m fine with.”
It’s been an adjustment for Sanders stepping into a backup role after being the star everywhere he’s played. Still, he says he’s embracing his role in Cleveland — at least for now.
“I’m in a great mental space overall, so I would say you tend to get a little bit more excited when you see a light at the end of the tunnel, for sure,” Sanders said. “So my job at first was to prepare the defense, and I think I did a pretty good job. Nah, but they got Myles Garrett and everybody over there, so, you know.
“But anyways, I think I did a pretty good job, and whatever my role is here, I’m thankful and I’m happy just to do that.”
Browns Praise Shedeur Sanders for Improvement
Many experts had Sanders going in the first round. But he tumbled to pick No. 144, where the Browns scooped him up. Cleveland views Sanders as a developmental quarterback, but praised the former Colorado star for the strides he has made.
“For Shedeur, we’re looking for constant improvement throughout the season, and he’s done that,” Browns offensive coordinator Tommy Rees said. “You see the growth, and the familiarity of the offense and what we’re asking of those guys. The level of preparation it takes week-to-week, when you’re putting a new game plan together, that’s a learning curve for all rookies.”
Colts Predicted to Add Physical Defender in 2026 NFL Draft
With this Indianapolis Colts team looking dangerous, they probably won't be drafting early in 2026. But that’s not going to stop Chris Ballard from doing what he does best — hunting value.
As the season progresses, mock drafts for the 2026 NFL Draft are starting to roll out — and a clear trend is emerging. One that Colts fans have been eyeing for quite some time.
CBS Sports analyst Ryan Wilson’s latest mock draft has Indianapolis focusing on improving the depleted secondary with their 2026 first-round pick. A move that makes perfect sense.
Wilson has the Colts selecting Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy with the 23rd overall pick.
McCoy, a 6’0”, 193-pound junior, was one of college football’s most physical corners before suffering a torn ACL in January of 2025. Even with that injury, he is still viewed as one of the top defensive backs in the nation.
Wilson has McCoy ranked as his number one cornerback prospect and sixth overall player on his big board for the 2026 NFL Draft.
McCoy's the kind of corner you can leave on an island and let him work against WR1s. He plays with swagger, attacks the ball in the air, and doesn’t shy from run support.
And McCoy’s production backs up the tape. Before his ACL injury in January, he posted an 89.6 PFF coverage grade, the second-highest among Power Four cornerbacks for the 2024 season.
He also earned a near-perfect 99.9 PFF Game Athleticism Score, showcasing elite movement and fluidity in coverage.
Opposing quarterbacks recorded just a 53.6 passer rating when targeting him, and he tied for second among Power Four corners with four interceptions and nine pass breakups.
Drafting McCoy would immediately strengthen this secondary, and given the injury, there’s a real chance he slips to No. 23 — the kind of value Ballard is always hunting.
There are other names that make sense for Indy depending on how the board shakes out, including Mansoor Delane (LSU), a senior corner with physical tools and polish. Colton Hood (Tennessee) also stands out as a versatile defensive back who can play inside or outside.
Beyond those two, Avieon Terrell (Clemson) brings elite short-area quickness and fluid movement, while A.J. Harris (Penn State) fits the Colts’ mold with length and athleticism.
Each pick would add needed depth and upside to a secondary still searching for stability.
If the Colts can land a player like McCoy — or any of the top corners in this class — it would mark another step in solidifying one of the AFC’s fastest-rising defenses.
With the offense already clicking, a strengthened secondary could be what pushes Indianapolis from playoff contender to legitimate Super Bowl threat.
