The Baltimore Ravens have been planning to draft Shedeur Sanders within the fifth spherical with the No. 141 choose, league sources advised ESPN.
However earlier than the Ravens might flip within the card, the previous Colorado star let or not it's identified to Baltimore that he did not need to be on a roster with Lamar Jackson, the place he would not have an opportunity to play anytime quickly, league sources mentioned.
Sanders knew that Jackson, a two-time MVP and one of many high gamers within the league, was not going to be dropping his job as Baltimore's beginning quarterback anytime quickly.
So the message was conveyed to the Ravens that Sanders didn't need to be drafted by Baltimore and most well-liked to finish up in a spot the place he may need a greater probability to play sooner. The Ravens as an alternative drafted offensive lineman Carson Vinson with the 141st choose.
Three picks later, with the soccer world watching, the Cleveland Browns traded as much as choose Sanders at No. 144. Sanders and the Browns are in Baltimore on Sunday to play the Ravens in a matchup of 0-1 groups.
Sanders is listed third on the depth chart — behind Joe Flacco and fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel — with the Browns, who had a extra crowded quarterback room all through coaching camp and the preseason. However Kenny Pickett was traded to the Las Vegas Raiders and Tyler Huntley was launched final month, clearing a path for Sanders to make Cleveland's 53-man roster.
After an impressive debut in Cleveland's preseason opener, Sanders missed the Browns' second preseason sport due to an indirect damage. He struggled within the preseason finale in opposition to the Los Angeles Rams, who sacked Sanders 5 occasions.
Sanders, Gabriel and apply squad quarterback Bailey Zappe all have been working Cleveland's scout staff in apply, quarterbacks coach Invoice Musgrave mentioned Friday.
“It is thrilling as a result of these guys do take satisfaction in getting the protection prepared,” Musgrave mentioned. “They need to do an excellent job of replicating the opponent's offense, and on the identical time, they need to attempt to relate any play that they get to our sport plan for that week too, to allow them to really feel like they will get a bit double obligation.”
ESPN's Daniel Oyefusi contributed to this report.
