Shedeur Sanders has taken on the role of an underdog following his surprising selection in the fifth round, joining several other quarterbacks in a competitive race at the Cleveland Browns. His limited repetitions with the first-team unit during the initial camp days suggest he has a challenging path ahead. Nonetheless, Sanders appears unfazed and ready for the competition.

Battling against fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel and veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett, he might find himself ranked fourth among them as the season opener approaches.

“Whenever I get my opportunity, I gotta maximize it,” Sanders stated during a press interaction on Friday. “I just gotta think about what I could do to get better even if I’m not getting reps. It’s no problem.”

Translation: Whenever I have my chance, I need to make the most of it.

Various draft assessments suggested he was a potential first-round prospect, yet he ended up waiting until the fifth round, observing multiple unexpected names being called before his. As he deals with the ongoing competition and limited chances in practices, Sanders recognizes he must remain prepared for anything.

“I feel like it’s not in my control,” he remarked. “So I’m not even going to think about that… I know who I am as a person and what I can contribute to this team.”

Translation: I believe it’s beyond my control, so I won’t dwell on it. I know my identity and what I bring to the team.

Sanders brings a notable track record as a successful starter, improving over time, and adjusting to this new competitive atmosphere after four years of being a guaranteed starter in college.