Rookie QB Turns Heads in Charlotte

Shedeur Sanders delivered a statement performance during the Cleveland Browns' 30-10 preseason victory over the Carolina Panthers, completing 14/23 passes for 138 yards and 2 touchdowns. The fifth-round pick showcased his dual-threat capabilities with 19 rushing yards across four carries before exiting late in the third quarter.

From Draft Slide to Spotlight

• Fell to 144th overall pick despite preseason No. 1 projections
• Currently fourth on Browns' QB depth chart behind Flacco/Pickett/Gabriel
• Maintains $6.5M NIL valuation from college career at Jackson State/Colorado

Swagger Meets Substance Sanders arrived at Bank of America Stadium accompanied by a 12-person entourage, blasting his custom walkout playlist while sporting diamond-encrusted "Legendary" chain jewelry. The 23-year-old revived his signature watch-checking celebration after connecting with David Bell for a 17-yard second-quarter TD strike.

LeBron's Stamp of Approval The Ohio-born NBA icon tweeted: "That young 👑 looking good out there! Head down on the grind and head high to the most high. And I don't wanna hear 'it's only preseason' - give credit and grace."

Roster Battle Heating Up With Pickett/Gabriel managing hamstring concerns, Sanders gains ground in Cleveland's QB competition. His next test comes August 17 against the defending champion Philadelphia Eagles. As Sanders told reporters: "I'm playing for a lot of people and beliefs. The rest? Can't control it - just do my job."

"When you slide that far, every snap becomes your resume." - ESPN's Louis Riddick on Sanders' motivation

What's Next Browns coaches will evaluate Sanders' pocket presence and pre-snap reads ahead of critical roster cuts. His unique blend of showmanship and production continues challenging NFL conventional wisdom about late-round prospects.