Context:

Shedeur Sanders, once a top-three NFL Draft prospect, experienced a significant drop, being picked in the fifth round by the Cleveland Browns, who already had a crowded quarterback lineup. The Browns' roster included Deshaun Watson, Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, and Dillon Gabriel, leaving Sanders as potentially the fourth-string quarterback, a situation criticized by Robert Griffin III as setting Sanders up for failure. Despite his draft fall, Sanders has emerged as a popular figure, with his jersey becoming the top-seller among rookies, indicating his marketability and the confidence he inspires in teammates. Griffin argues that Sanders' position as the fourth quarterback, receiving minimal reps, is a recipe for dysfunction within the team. The Browns' decision to have multiple quarterbacks, including Sanders, is seen as a strategic misstep, potentially hindering Sanders' development in his first NFL year.

Dive Deeper:

• Shedeur Sanders, initially a top NFL Draft prospect, fell to the fifth round, eventually being picked by the Cleveland Browns despite their existing depth at quarterback.

• The Browns' quarterback roster includes Deshaun Watson, recovering from an Achilles injury, as well as Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett, both of whom have starting experience, creating a competitive environment for Sanders.

• Robert Griffin III criticized the Browns' handling of Sanders, suggesting that being the fourth-string quarterback limits his opportunities and sets him up to fail in his rookie season.

• Despite his draft position, Sanders is a major draw for the Browns, with his rookie jersey being the best-selling, which reflects his popularity and potential influence in the team.

• Griffin argues that Sanders' minimal playing reps and position as the fourth quarterback lead to potential dysfunction, questioning the Browns' strategic choices.

• The drafting of multiple quarterbacks by the Browns, including Dillon Gabriel in the third round, adds to the complexity of Sanders' situation, highlighting the team's management challenges.

• Sanders' marketability and the confidence he inspires in teammates suggest a disconnect between his off-field appeal and the on-field opportunities provided by the Browns.