'They don’t want Shedeur Sanders': Mel Kiper goes off on the Browns’ QB mess

Mel Kiper Jr. has once again unleashed strong criticism toward the Cleveland Browns, this time calling out the organization for what he views as its ongoing mishandling of quarterbacks.

Still frustrated months after the NFL Draft, Kiper has continued to defend Shedeur Sanders, who shockingly slid to the fifth round despite being considered a potential first-round selection.

The Browns eventually selected Sanders with the 144th overall pick, but the team’s coaching staff has continued to back third-rounder Dillon Gabriel as the starter. Speaking on ESPN’s First Draft podcast, Kiper didn’t hold back:

“Figure out Dillon Gabriel, that was Kevin Stefanski’s guy. Shedeur Sanders, Andrew Berry brought in because he was there in the fifth round, see what happens.”

Kiper believes the league mishandled Sanders entirely, arguing that his fall had more to do with perception than with his actual performance.

“To me organizations ruin QBs. You had Baker. Gabriel was Stefanski’s guy. I don’t care what the league says. I had Shedeur the #1 QB on my board last year. What happened? Nothing happened. They don’t want him."

Kiper’s frustration stems from what he sees as a familiar Cleveland pattern—drafting talented quarterbacks, then watching them fail under questionable team leadership.

Kiper says teams “ruin quarterbacks,” points to Browns’ long history

During the same podcast, Kiper doubled down, insisting that NFL teams often misjudge quarterbacks and sometimes destroy their potential through poor management. He noted that Sanders was viewed as the No. 1 quarterback prospect just a year ago while starring at Colorado. Yet, Kiper argued,

“Everybody’s clueless about quarterbacks including the National Football League geniuses, OK? They don’t know. Even when they have them, they don’t know. [The Browns] had Baker Mayfield, they let him go.”

Kiper revisited Cleveland’s turbulent quarterback history to make his case. Baker Mayfield, drafted first overall in 2018, helped the Browns reach an 11-5 record in 2020 and came within a game of the Super Bowl.

The team released him the following year, and he has since become a two-time Pro Bowler and an MVP candidate with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Cleveland’s inconsistency speaks for itself—since 1999, the Browns have finished last in their division 15 times and secured just one playoff victory. Now, Kiper fears Sanders could become the next casualty in that cycle as the team prepares to face the New York Jets on November 9 at MetLife Stadium.

Jalen Ramsey on Steelers’ Defense: ‘We’re a Defense That Rises Together—That’s How We’ll Dominate This Season’

Jalen Ramsey has made a bold statement since joining the Pittsburgh Steelers, making it clear that he didn’t come to just be another piece in the defensive puzzle—he came to lead and build something special. As one of the NFL’s premier cornerbacks, Ramsey’s arrival to Pittsburgh was a game-changer for the Steelers’ defense, and he is already setting high expectations for the unit as they push forward in the 2025 season.

“This isn’t just about me—it’s about the entire unit. I came to Pittsburgh to help build something special. We’re a defense that rises together, and that’s how we’ll dominate this season,” Ramsey said, laying down the challenge for his new team and signaling the kind of leadership the Steelers’ defense can expect.

Ramsey’s arrival has energized a Steelers defense that has already been one of the league’s most formidable in recent years. However, the addition of the six-time Pro Bowler takes the defensive unit to a new level, bringing an unmatched level of intensity, experience, and a winning mentality. He’s not only focused on his own performance but on elevating every player around him.

The Steelers' defense has been known for its physicality, discipline, and ability to turn the ball over. But with Ramsey leading the charge, it’s clear that the focus this season will be on cohesion and unity. Ramsey’s message of a defense “rising together” speaks to his belief in the power of teamwork and shared responsibility. Every player is expected to contribute and be held accountable for their role in the defense’s success.

“We’ve got a lot of talent here,” Ramsey continued. “But talent alone doesn’t win games. It’s about trust, it’s about playing for each other. We need to make sure that every guy in that locker room is on the same page, executing, and putting the team first.”

It’s this mentality that has made Ramsey one of the most respected cornerbacks in the league. His ability to shut down wide receivers and make game-changing plays on the field is well-known, but his leadership off the field is equally impressive. As a veteran in the locker room, he understands the importance of building a strong, unified team, and he’s already having an impact on the younger players.

The Steelers’ defense is filled with playmakers like T.J. Watt, Minkah Fitzpatrick, and Cam Heyward, but Ramsey’s presence adds an extra layer of leadership and skill to an already talented group. The Steelers are looking to build on their strong defensive foundation and take their game to the next level with Ramsey guiding the way.

As the season progresses, the Steelers will be relying on their defense to set the tone for their playoff aspirations. With Ramsey at the helm, they have the potential to be even more dominant than before. His focus on collective success over individual achievement is exactly what the team needs to take them all the way to the Super Bowl.

In the end, Ramsey’s vision is clear: a defense that rises together, working as one to dominate the NFL. As the Steelers continue to grow and develop throughout the season, Ramsey’s leadership will be instrumental in ensuring that they don’t just meet expectations—they exceed them.

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