Overview
- On Tuesday, The Athletic’s quarterback tiers—based on anonymous NFL coaches and executives—placed Shedeur Sanders dead last (35th) and Deshaun Watson 31st while publishing blunt critiques of both players’ fundamentals.
- Monken has not named a starter and told reporters he will let each leading quarterback open one of Cleveland’s first two preseason games and likely give the frontrunner the third start to decide Week 1.
- Todd Monken said Dillon Gabriel has earned increased first‑team reps in camp, turning him into a viable wild card who could influence the competition if his play continues to improve.
- Sanders’ rookie numbers—1,400 passing yards, 7 TDs, 10 INTs and a 56.6% completion rate—were cited alongside specific scouting concerns about accuracy, timing, and processing that explain the low external grades.
- Watson is returning from successive Achilles surgeries and carries a fully guaranteed, high‑value contract, which creates tough roster and cap tradeoffs depending on whether the team bets on his recovery or on developing a younger option.