Sanders, a fifth-round pick, navigated a crowded QB room and earned a start only after Gabriel struggled. While the competition drew scrutiny—and even touched off public friction within the organization—the rookie class formed tight relationships, with Sanders publicly praising the unity among his classmates after minicamp.
The seven-member class, highlighted by Mason Graham, Quinshon Judkins, Harold Fannin Jr., Dylan Sampson, and Gabriel alongside Sanders, showed mixed on-field impact. Graham posted solid run-stopping metrics, Schwesinger led rookies with 156 tackles, Judkins produced 827 rushing yards and seven scores, and Fannin Jr. set a franchise rookie mark with 72 receptions. Sanders’ own numbers were modest, though he flashed poise that earned respect from peers and coaches.
Defensively, Cleveland’s interior and edge play improved with contributions from the draft cohort, while the offense fluctuated. Gabriel remained in the mix as the primary backup to Flacco before injuries and disciplinary dynamics reshaped the rotation. By season’s end, Myles Garrett publicly signaled confidence in Sanders as a potential Week 1 starter for 2026, framing the quarterback question as one to be earned rather than foregone.
The Browns entered the offseason with three viable quarterbacks on the roster after removing Flacco and Pickett from the equation. With Deshaun Watson returning from a full-season absence and new head coach Todd Monken prioritizing a competitive QB environment, Sanders faces a real opportunity to secure the job in the early stages of 2026.
In short, Sanders’ rookie year yielded meaningful chemistry within Cleveland’s rookie group and a contested but plausible path to a continued quarterback competition, as the team pivots under new coaching toward a clearer signal-caller for 2026.
