Cleveland Browns’ draft hopes shaken as Titans zero in on Cam Ward over Shedeur Sanders

The Cleveland Browns’ roadmap for replacing Deshaun Watson in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft has hit a critical juncture, as the Tennessee Titans appear to have narrowed their focus to Cam Ward with the No. 1 overall pick. This development significantly alters the Browns’ draft calculus, particularly with Shedeur Sanders—long considered the second-best quarterback in this class—now looking increasingly like the most realistic option on the board for Cleveland at No. 2.

Although it was never guaranteed that Cam Ward would fall to the second pick, the growing clarity around Tennessee’s intentions has forced the Browns to confront a rapidly shifting draft landscape. Head coach Kevin Stefanski and team owner Jimmy Haslam were among the NFL representatives in Boulder, Colorado, to watch Sanders’ Pro Day, where the quarterback showcased his range, mobility, and arm strength in front of scouts and team executives.

Why is Cam Ward now out of reach for the Cleveland Browns?

Ward has long been the consensus favorite to go first overall, and the Titans’ recent move only reinforces that expectation. Tennessee reportedly cancelled a scheduled private workout with Shedeur Sanders following an in-person evaluation during Colorado’s Pro Day, signaling their high confidence in Cam Ward’s status as their top choice. Jim Wyatt of the team’s official site noted that the Titans brass have already conducted extensive due diligence on Sanders, including watching game film, attending games, and meeting with his camp.

The decision to pull the plug on the private workout may be seen as a formality, but in the high-stakes pre-draft environment, every signal carries weight. It indicates a strong lean toward Cam Ward, a dual-threat quarterback who impressed throughout the 2024 college season. For the Browns, this removes their best-case scenario—a chance to land Ward without having to trade up—putting the spotlight instead on Sanders or another top prospect.

It’s worth noting that Tennessee could still entertain trade offers for the top pick. Publicly expressing confidence in Ward may also be a strategic move to boost the pick’s value on the open market. But unless a major offer materializes, Ward’s trajectory appears locked on Nashville.

How did Shedeur Sanders perform at his Pro Day and what impressed the Browns?

Sanders put together a standout Pro Day in Boulder, drawing praise from multiple NFL insiders and coaching staff. Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski was among those impressed, citing the quarterback’s fluid mechanics, quick release, and ability to throw on the move as standout qualities. Stefanski told reporters that Sanders was particularly sharp on sideline throws and displayed advanced ball placement.

Sanders’ collegiate career reinforces those strengths. After transferring to the University of Colorado following a successful stint at Jackson State, Sanders threw for 4,134 yards, 37 touchdowns, and just 10 interceptions in his final year. He helped transform Colorado’s offense under the guidance of his father and head coach, Deion Sanders, leading the Buffaloes to a 9-4 finish—a marked improvement over prior seasons.

At Jackson State, Sanders led the Tigers to back-to-back SWAC titles and earned the Deacon Jones Trophy in 2022 as the top player among Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). His mobility, leadership, and statistical consistency have made him one of the most polarizing yet undeniably talented quarterbacks entering the draft.

Is Shedeur Sanders open to joining the Browns despite media speculation?

Speculation has persisted for months that Sanders may be resistant to joining a team like the Browns, who have historically struggled with quarterback development and front-office consistency. However, Sanders took steps to dispel those rumors during media availability after his Pro Day. He downplayed any concerns about location or market size, emphasizing that he believes in his ability to uplift any franchise.

“I could bring cameras and eyes anywhere I go,” he said. “It don’t matter where I go. I know the influence I have on society and on culture.” Sanders added that while he considers himself the No. 1 quarterback in this draft class, he is more focused on the right situation than draft placement. “Whatever franchise believes in me and gives me the opportunity, then I’m excited to go. Wherever that falls, it don’t really matter to me.”

His comments suggest a level of maturity and self-assuredness that may appeal to Browns management as they consider their long-term future at quarterback.

What is Deshaun Watson’s status, and how does it affect the Browns’ strategy?

The Browns’ current quarterback situation adds urgency to their decision-making. Deshaun Watson, acquired in 2022 in a highly controversial and financially significant trade, has not lived up to expectations. His tenure in Cleveland has been marred by injuries, limited availability due to prior suspension, and declining on-field performance. Team owner Jimmy Haslam recently described the trade as a “swing and miss,” hinting that the organization may be ready to move on.

Watson is currently recovering from an Achilles injury and is expected to miss most of the 2025 season. Even when healthy, it is unclear whether he will reclaim a starting role or if the team will look to establish a new franchise quarterback through the draft. Given that Watson is still under contract, the Browns will need to carefully manage their cap space and quarterback room, balancing present limitations with future planning.

Are the Browns committed to selecting a quarterback with the No. 2 pick?

While Cleveland’s need for a quarterback is clear, they are not necessarily locked into drafting one with the second overall pick. Other highly rated prospects, such as Colorado’s two-way phenom Travis Hunter and Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter, are also being considered. Hunter, a unique talent who plays both receiver and cornerback at a high level, could offer value on both sides of the ball. Carter, meanwhile, is among the top defensive disruptors in the draft and could help bolster the Browns’ pass rush.

Yet quarterback remains the most pressing need, and with Ward likely headed to the Titans, the Browns may not get a better chance than this to secure a young, high-upside signal caller. Sanders, while not without critics, is widely regarded as a top-tier prospect with considerable leadership qualities, deep-ball accuracy, and an adaptable playing style suited for today’s NFL.

How does this draft decision reflect the Browns’ broader strategy?

The 2025 NFL Draft represents a pivotal moment for the Browns as they attempt to rebound from the missteps of the Watson era and chart a new course for the franchise. With the AFC North becoming increasingly competitive, every roster decision will carry significant weight. Baltimore remains a perennial playoff contender, Cincinnati continues to build around Joe Burrow, and Pittsburgh is showing signs of a defensive resurgence. The Browns must decide whether to trust the quarterback they already invested in—or embrace a fresh start with Sanders or another top draft talent.

Ultimately, the selection at No. 2 will signal whether Cleveland is ready to rebuild its identity around a new quarterback or continue patching around Watson’s inconsistent tenure. As draft day nears, the pressure to make the right choice will only intensify.