As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, prominent ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr. has firmly defended Shedeur Sanders, the Cleveland Browns’ rookie quarterback, against recent criticisms. Kiper has consistently asserted that Sanders is the top quarterback in his draft class. His surprise was palpable when Sanders was selected in the fifth round by the Browns, a move many analysts did not anticipate.
In recent discussions, some analysts have claimed that certain statistics indicate Sanders had the weakest performance among starting quarterbacks in the 2025 NFL regular season. During a segment on ESPN’s “First Draft” podcast, Kiper expressed his disbelief at the ongoing negativity surrounding Sanders. He questioned, “What the hell has he got to do? Are we going to get into this negativity again about Shedeur?” Kiper drew parallels between Sanders and Josh Allen, noting that even Allen faced criticism in the early years of his career.
Kiper pointed out that Baker Mayfield was often viewed as the leading quarterback in the 2018 draft class, despite Allen’s eventual success. “Everything about Shedeur Sanders screams he’s the quarterback,” Kiper stated. He emphasized that if critics are negative now, they will likely remain so as the draft approaches.
Statistically, Sanders has faced challenges. According to data from Pro Football Reference, he finished the regular season ranked last among qualified quarterbacks with a 19.0 adjusted QBR, a passer rating of 68.1, and a completion percentage of 56.6%. Despite these figures, Sanders managed to secure three wins over seven starts, showcasing his potential under difficult circumstances.
Kiper acknowledged the limitations Sanders faced throughout the season, particularly regarding his training and preparation. “Really, when you look at what Shedeur did this year, not having any training camp, never with the ones… playing in brutal weather conditions – not in domes in great weather,” he said. Kiper believes that those who dismiss Sanders’ rookie year have not been paying attention to the full context of his performance.
The future of Sanders remains uncertain as the Browns are expected to hire a new coaching staff. It is unclear if Sanders will compete with veteran Deshaun Watson for the starting position in the upcoming season. Nevertheless, Kiper advocates for Sanders to take the lead role from the beginning of spring workouts through the start of the 2026 campaign.
Kiper’s advocacy for Sanders highlights the ongoing debate within the NFL regarding rookie quarterbacks and their development. With each passing week, the pressure mounts not only on the players but also on the analysts who evaluate their potential in a league where performance expectations are sky-high. As the draft approaches, the spotlight will remain on Shedeur Sanders and the Cleveland Browns, with many eager to see how the young quarterback responds to the challenges ahead.
