NFL Draft The number 2 overall pick
- Thread starter OconRecon
- Start date
TheBestPlayersPlay
Die-Hard
Looks average at everything. Who did he play in college? Read he would be 7th or 8th QB off the board in 2026. If his father does not want him in Cleveland, it would be SO Browns to go ahead and draft him anyway.
I want Ward or trade down.
I want Ward or trade down.
The_QCT
CLE 🏙 ➡️ ATL 🍑
Shedeur Sanders is far from average. He stands out as well above average in several key areas: accuracy and ball placement, decision-making and football IQ, poise under pressure, leadership and intangibles, as well as pocket awareness and mobility.
When it comes to fitting into Stefanski’s offense, these attributes translate exceptionally well, making him a stronger fit than Cam Ward. Here’s how:
1. Accuracy and Ball Placement
Stefanski’s offense thrives on precision passing, especially in play-action and timing-based routes. Shedeur Sanders boasts one of the highest weighted on-target percentages among draft-eligible QBs, showcasing his ability to consistently hit receivers in stride. His accuracy in tight windows and over the middle of the field aligns perfectly with the system’s reliance on precise route concepts and progressions.
In contrast, Cam Ward has been criticized for inconsistent accuracy, particularly on intermediate throws, which are a staple in Stefanski’s playbook.
2. Quick Processing and Decision-Making
Stefanski’s offense requires a quarterback who can process quickly, identify mismatches, and execute reads efficiently. Sanders excels in this area, demonstrating elite field vision and the ability to diagnose defenses pre- and post-snap. His quick release ensures the ball gets out on time, which is crucial in play-action-heavy schemes.
Ward, while talented, has been known to hold the ball longer than ideal, often relying on his athleticism to extend plays rather than working within the structure of the offense.
3. Poise Under Pressure
Stefanski’s scheme often requires the QB to operate under pressure, especially with bootlegs and play-action rollouts. Sanders has shown remarkable poise in the pocket, even against high-pressure defenses. His ability to remain calm, make smart decisions, and deliver accurate throws under duress would make him a reliable option.
Ward, on the other hand, has shown tendencies to bail from clean pockets or force plays when pressured, which can disrupt the rhythm of Stefanski’s offense.
4. Leadership and Intangibles
Sanders’ leadership qualities and proven ability to elevate a program (turning a 1-11 Colorado team into a 9-4 bowl-eligible squad) demonstrate his work ethic, football IQ, and ability to command a locker room. Stefanski values quarterbacks who can lead by example and build trust within the team, and Sanders embodies these traits.
While Ward is undoubtedly talented, his leadership impact hasn’t been as evident on the programs he’s led.
5. System Fit and Versatility
Stefanski’s offense heavily incorporates play-action, rollouts, and intermediate passing concepts. Sanders’ skill set—highlighted by his accuracy, quick decision-making, and ability to execute designed plays—meshes naturally with this style. His ability to operate within a structured system while still offering some mobility makes him an ideal candidate.
Ward, while dynamic and creative, often thrives in more open, improvisational systems. His play style might require Stefanski to adapt his scheme significantly, which could dilute its effectiveness.
Conclusion
Shedeur Sanders offers the precision, poise, and processing ability Stefanski’s offense demands, making him a more natural fit than Cam Ward. While Ward has undeniable talent, Sanders’ style of play aligns more seamlessly with the structured and timing-oriented nature of the Stefanski system.
nickers
Nick@Nite
Derek Anderception and Brandon Weedone threw downfield too...Dude throws downfield man
TheBestPlayersPlay
Die-Hard
I couldn't possibly care less who fits into Stefanski's system the best. Stefanski will be gone by the time the QB we draft is starting. We draft based on talent. Then we hire based on what that talent needs to reach its ceiling.
The_QCT
CLE 🏙 ➡️ ATL 🍑
Stefanski would’ve been fired this season if his job was truly on the line. The fact that he wasn’t is pretty telling. The major decisions that have shaped the team—signing Watson, firing AVP (which led to losing Callahan), and completely overhauling the offense to accommodate Watson—weren’t Stefanski’s calls. He’s had to adapt and work with the fallout of decisions made above him.
Drafting Shedeur Sanders gives us the best chance at success. Sanders isn’t just a talented quarterback—he’s also the most NFL-ready prospect in the draft and fits perfectly within Stefanski’s wide zone, play-action-heavy system.
If we draft someone like Cam Ward, who doesn’t fit the system, it’s a recipe for disaster. Either we force Ward into a scheme that doesn’t suit his style (and he struggles), or we blow up the offense yet again in 2026, firing everyone and starting over from scratch. That kind of instability has already cost this team enough.
With Sanders, you avoid that entirely. You get a QB who can thrive immediately in the current system, accelerating the team’s timeline for success. Plus, Sanders’ accuracy, quick processing, and poise under pressure make him the ideal quarterback to maximize the strengths of Stefanski’s offense without requiring another costly reset.
The choice is clear: Sanders equals success—or, at the very least, the best chance at it. Why risk further instability with someone who doesn’t fit?
hammertime
Administrator
Let’s assume that’s true.
Does the Sanders family and smart ‘football’ people see it like that?
The_QCT
CLE 🏙 ➡️ ATL 🍑
Ward is likely going #1, and if that happens, the strategy with Sanders at #2 becomes a no-brainer. Whether or not the Sanders family has preferences about where he lands is irrelevant—you take Shedeur Sanders at #2.
From there, you have two winning options:
1. Call their bluff and draft the most NFL-ready QB in the draft.
If we keep him, you’ve got the quarterback to build around for the next decade.
2. Leverage Sanders for a blockbuster trade.
Make it clear to teams like the Giants or Raiders that Sanders is on the table, and if they want him, it’s going to cost a lot. You’re starting the conversation at three first-round picks, plus their second- and third-round picks this year, minimum. Let them know they’ll be mortgaging their future drafts if they want to move up for him.
In this scenario, we win either way:
• If we keep Sanders, we have the best chance to succeed with an NFL-ready QB.
• If we trade him, we set ourselves up with a haul of draft capital that can transform the team for years to come
The key is to control the narrative and maximize the value of that #2 pick. Teams desperate for Sanders will pay a king’s ransom for a him, and if they’re serious, they’ll have to accept that we’ll own their next few drafts. Either way, this pick solidifies our future.
The_QCT
CLE 🏙 ➡️ ATL 🍑
Starting points of trades I would consider if the Browns truly don't believe in Sanders:
- FTR, I do believe Sanders can be the guy and wouldn't trade out unless there is a flat out refusal by the Sanders "group" to sign.
If the Giants want Sanders:
- 2025 1st
- 2025 3rd
- DT, Dexter Lawrence
- 2026 1st
- 2027 1st
If Los Vegas Wants Sanders:
- 2025 1st
- 2025 3rd
- DT, Christian Wilkins
- 2026 1st
- 2027 1st
- FTR, I do believe Sanders can be the guy and wouldn't trade out unless there is a flat out refusal by the Sanders "group" to sign.
If the Giants want Sanders:
- 2025 1st
- 2025 3rd
- DT, Dexter Lawrence
- 2026 1st
- 2027 1st
If Los Vegas Wants Sanders:
- 2025 1st
- 2025 3rd
- DT, Christian Wilkins
- 2026 1st
- 2027 1st
TheBestPlayersPlay
Die-Hard
That's basically what I have been saying all along. If Ward is gone, trade down. There is nothing at all "special" about Sanders. And I honestly wouldn't mind a trade down if Ward is there ...he could be the next Mahomes, but I doubt it. We know two teams who would love to have Sanders and Dad ...the Cowboys and the Raiders.
The_QCT
CLE 🏙 ➡️ ATL 🍑
A quarterback’s success in the NFL isn’t just about talent—it’s about the right coaching, system fit, and supporting cast. Cam Ward is an incredibly talented prospect with a high ceiling and the potential to be very, very good in the NFL. However, he's nowhere near ready to play in the NFL (needs time and coaching) he’s not the right fit for Cleveland.
Ward’s play style doesn’t align with the offensive system we will be running. Forcing a quarterback into a scheme that doesn’t suit their strengths is a recipe for failure, no matter how skilled they are. It’s not just about drafting talent—it’s about drafting the right talent for your team’s vision.
On the other hand, trading away from Shedeur Sanders would be a monumental mistake IMO. Sanders isn’t just the most NFL-ready QB in the draft—he’s also a perfect fit for Cleveland’s offense. His accuracy, quick decision-making, and poise in the pocket align seamlessly with Stefanski’s wide-zone, play-action-heavy system. Sanders gives this franchise the best chance for immediate and sustained success.
Passing on Sanders, or trading out of his pick, risks setting the franchise back years. It’s the kind of decision that will eventually cost everyone—coaches & FO executives—their jobs.
Drafting Sanders is the smart move. Anything else risks prolonging mediocrity and jeopardizing the future of the team.
I’m just throwing out trade-back ideas because, let’s face it, I’ve watched this front office fumble draft after draft. At this point, I have to mentally prepare for them to make the wrong move yet again.
But here’s the reality: nothing else matters if you don’t have a quarterback. This draft is our chance to finally get the guy who can transform this franchise. Passing on that opportunity to gamble on extra picks or a “value move” would be a colossal mistake.
You can stockpile talent all you want, but if you don’t have a QB, none of it will matter. The right quarterback elevates the entire team, and this is our shot to secure that cornerstone piece. If they screw this up, it’s just another setback we can’t afford.
TheBestPlayersPlay
Die-Hard
That's some of the most ass backwards thinking I have ever seen. No rational NFL football team is going to bypass special talent at QB so they can get a lesser QB more suited for a coach who is on the hot seat. Nonsense. Even if he wasn't on the hot seat, which he obviously is ...you draft the special talent, and adjust as any good coach would.
Martin Eden
Well-known member
Only in TBPP's head is Stefanski on the "hot seat." I'd draft Sanders if he's there at #2. Almost a can't miss, solid NFL starting QB. Or I trade down and target Howard in the late 2nd or wherever I need to get him. I think either would be ready to start game 1.
Or don't draft a QB, sign Flacco, and tank for Klubnik.
Or don't draft a QB, sign Flacco, and tank for Klubnik.
The_QCT
CLE 🏙 ➡️ ATL 🍑
Ward isn’t special. Yeah, he’s talented, but “special” isn’t the word anyone who actually knows football would use to describe him. He wasn’t even a Top 2 QB in the ACC this year.
Here’s the thing: over the past three draft classes, the average Weighted On-Target Percentage (WOT%) is 64.97%. For first-rounders, it’s 67.25%.
Ward? He’s sitting at 61.21%—way below both. Sanders WOT% is 73.26
And this matters. Accuracy and ball placement aren’t just stats; they’re what separate good QBs from busts in the NFL. Look at Jayden Daniels—he had the highest WOT% (76.13%) in last year’s draft by almost 4%. That accuracy translated immediately for him.
Ward has a big arm, sure. But his accuracy? It’s below average. And historically, QBs with shaky accuracy don’t pan out. Arm strength might get all the hype, but in the NFL, it’s all about ball placement—and Ward just doesn’t have it.
Sanders has an above-average arm, can make all the necessary throws, and pairs that with elite ball placement and accuracy. He’s got above-average wheels, better ball security, and is way ahead of Ward when it comes to processing and intelligence.
It’s not just about physical tools—Sanders brings a complete package to the table. His ability to read defenses, make smart decisions, and execute at a high level sets him apart. Ward might flash arm talent, but Sanders is the guy who checks all the boxes you need in an NFL-ready quarterback.
nickers
Nick@Nite
Problem is.... According to the rumors... Daddy ain't letting Shaddy go to Cleveland... I'm not high on him or Ward... Or anyone in this draft..... I would rather trade down.. Emass some picks... Take the best players available... Draft Howard or Milroe in the lower late 2nd early 3rd picks.. Go after Klubnik or Allar next year... The Browns aren't going anywhere this year... Kevvy and Berry will most likely be axed by the bye week... I don't see us winning many games next season...
The_QCT
CLE 🏙 ➡️ ATL 🍑
1. Who cares what Daddy wants—you take Shedeur Sanders at #2 regardless.
From there, you have two winning options:
1. Call their bluff and draft the most NFL-ready QB in the draft.
If we keep him, you’ve got the quarterback to build around for the next decade.
2. Leverage Sanders for a blockbuster trade.
Make it clear to teams like the Giants or Raiders that Sanders is on the table, and if they want him, it’s going to cost a lot. You’re starting the conversation at three first-round picks, plus their second- and third-round picks this year, minimum. Let them know they’ll be mortgaging their future drafts if they want to move up for him.
In this scenario, we win either way:
• If we keep Sanders, we have the best chance to succeed with an NFL-ready QB.
• If we trade him, we set ourselves up with a haul of draft capital that can transform the team for years to come
The key is to control the narrative and maximize the value of that #2 pick. Teams desperate for Sanders will pay a king’s ransom for a him, and if they’re serious, they’ll have to accept that we’ll own their next few drafts. Either way, this pick solidifies our future.
2. If you trade down (and I'm not advocating that move...you don't win in the NFL taking value QB's)
In this case, there is only 1 answer later in the draft - Kyle McCord.
Milroe stinks. He's not even a poor man's Lamar in any way. No accuracy and ball placement whatsoever.
Howard stinks. He doesn't throw the ball downfield or use the middle of the field. He primarily uses the boundary and throws up balls for his star WR's to make plays.
MalcolmBrown
Active member
I hate the off-season.
What I hate the most is not being able to trust what the Browns will do.
I'm just going to stick with "I don't care what they do, as long as it works."
I'm done with silly-season, and it's barely even started.
What I hate the most is not being able to trust what the Browns will do.
I'm just going to stick with "I don't care what they do, as long as it works."
I'm done with silly-season, and it's barely even started.
nickers
Nick@Nite
MalcolmBrown
Active member
Yeah, but that's not common, nor is it a consistent outcome.