The Hall of Famer made it clear he believes Cleveland is building something special. “Look at that rookie class last season. The rookie class this season, who I know they haven’t played, they haven’t put it on grass. But they’re building something that is tremendous and they’re not too far away. Of course, they need stability at the quarterback position. Of course, they need stability on the offensive line. Everything else, to me, they got it.”

Those comments immediately raise the biggest question for the Browns entering 2026: will that quarterback stability come from Shedeur Sanders or could Todd Monken ultimately prefer veteran Deshaun Watson?

2026 Browns draft rookie class

The Browns opened their 2026 NFL Draft by selecting offensive tackle Spencer Fano from Utah with the No. 9 overall pick, immediately reinforcing one of the biggest weaknesses on the roster. Later in the first round, Cleveland added explosive wide receiver KC Concepcion out of Texas A&M, giving the offense another dynamic weapon. That’s the talent Deion’s talking about.

On Day 2, they drafted Washington wide receiver Denzel Boston and Toledo safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren. Boston brings size and playmaking ability to the receiving corps, while McNeil-Warren adds athleticism and depth to the secondary.

The Browns then doubled down on protecting the quarterback by selecting Florida offensive tackle Austin Barber and Alabama center Parker Brailsford. They also added Alabama linebacker Justin Jefferson and Cincinnati tight end Joe Royer.

Later in the draft, the front office selected Arkansas quarterback Taylen Green, an intriguing developmental prospect with major athletic upside, and closed the class by drafting BYU tight end Carsen Ryan.

“You got a GM that I adore. I really do, I think he gets it bad because he’s a brother for one. Secondly, because they hadn’t won, but you got to understand most of the time the GMs and the head coaches are married together. Mr. Berry, he’s done a phenomenal job acquiring talent.”

The comments are especially interesting because Berry was ultimately the executive who selected Shedeur Sanders during the 2025 NFL Draft. At the same time, Deion’s words indirectly continue pointing toward former head coach Kevin Stefanski as one of the reasons his son struggled to fully develop during his rookie season before Stefanski eventually departed for Atlanta.

Deion Sanders may become more involved in Shedeur Sanders’ development

Now, Andrew Berry is leading a new era in Cleveland alongside head coach Todd Monken without the same level of internal tension surrounding personnel decisions. Deion Sanders has already openly stated that he plans to meet with Monken personally to discuss how to maximize Shedeur’s development moving forward.

However, the quarterback situation inside the Browns organization is suddenly becoming much more complicated. Even though Shedeur finished the 2025 season as Cleveland’s starter, Deshaun Watson has re-entered the equation and there are no guarantees Shedeur will keep the QB1 job entering training camp.

That uncertainty could push Deion to become even more involved behind the scenes. Sanders also mentioned that when the Jacksonville Jaguars drafted Travis Hunter, nobody from the organization reached out to him for insight or collaboration. This time, he appears determined to play a larger role helping his son navigate the NFL.

The big question, however, is whether that level of involvement will ultimately help or hurt Shedeur’s development. While Deion’s football knowledge and experience are undeniable, increased parental influence around a young quarterback can sometimes create additional pressure inside an NFL locker room already filled with competition and scrutiny.

Sanders coached Hunter into a top-tier two-way player with a Heisman trophy to his name. The Jaguars didn’t really know how to handle him during his rookie year before he suffered a season-ending injury.

Sanders appeared on the Barbershop podcast and said, “Don’t you think you would want to talk to me to let me know, to ask me how — what gets him going and what backs him off and, and what, like, you wouldn’t want to know that?”

Travis Hunter’s rookie numbers aren’t exciting

As a receiver, Hunter had 28 receptions for 298 yards and just one touchdown. He also had two drops. He had less yards than Parker Washington, Jakobi Meyers, and Brian Thomas Jr. to mention a few.

As a cornerback, he had no interceptions, just three passes defended, but allowed just a 50% pass completion and opposing quarterbacks had 68.3 passer rating. Hence, he showed glimpses on both sides, but wasn’t stellar.

The Jaguars still don’t know how to use Hunter

The Jaguars haven’t defined the role for Hunter as he recovers from his knee injury. The fact is Deion Sanders could definitely help the team on how Hunter must be exploited to get the best of him.

During an interview on “The Barbershop,” Deion revealed how painful it was to witness everything Shedeur went through during the 2025 season. “When he takes off his shirt, I see the scars on his back that he’s been through hell, but he’s made it through hell. He kept going and he matured. Not like he was a child, but he matured spiritually. You can’t force this. If it ain’t your time, it ain’t your time.”

The Hall of Famer also addressed the criticism and rumors surrounding Shedeur before the 2025 NFL Draft, narratives that contributed to the quarterback’s shocking slide all the way into the fifth round.

“It was some ignorant things came out about him predraft and all that. That was a lie. Like, he would never go into a meeting with headphones on. He would never go into a meeting unprepared. Like, that’s just not who he is. There’s no way he could accomplish the things he accomplished without being prepared. A lot of things that was said, it bothered me, but it didn’t bother him. He just wanted the opportunity to get on the grass and do his thing.”

Deion Sanders sends clear message to Todd Monken about Shedeur Sanders

Despite the difficult beginning to Shedeur’s NFL career, Deion Sanders now appears optimistic about the quarterback’s future following the Browns’ coaching change.

After Kevin Stefanski’s departure, Cleveland moved forward with Todd Monken as head coach, a development that has clearly energized Deion. “I love it, because Todd is a straight shooter. He keeps it a buck. I want to meet him because I think it’s vital that as a coach, not the dad, I can tell him a few things about Shedeur. How to get him going. That wasn’t asked of me a year ago. I don’t understand it. So, I anticipate that , and I can’t wait to have that conversation with Coach Monken.”

The comments suggest Deion believes Shedeur could finally receive the kind of coaching environment that allows him to fully rebuild confidence and develop at the NFL level.

After surviving a brutal rookie year filled with criticism, physical punishment, and constant scrutiny, the Sanders family appears hopeful that a fresh start under Monken could completely change the trajectory of Shedeur’s career.

“Isaac Wilson is applying pressure, but that’s what you want,” the head coach said to the press. “You want those battles. Everybody is earning everything they get, including their money.”

Although there’s still plenty of time ahead, Coach Prime is analyzing every detail. Lewis and Wilson want to ensure the quarterback position is well covered for a season that promises to be highly competitive.

Lewis in 2025

As a true freshman in 2025, Julian Lewis appeared in four games for Colorado, completing 52 of 94 passes (55.3%) for 589 yards, 4 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions. Despite showing flashes of elite potential in his two starts—highlighted by a 299-yard, 2-TD performance against West Virginia—Lewis opted to sit out the season finale to preserve his redshirt status, entering 2026 with four years of eligibility remaining.

A change in the Buffaloes’ offense

The hiring of Brennan Marion as offensive coordinator marks a schematic revolution for Colorado heading into the 2026 season. By implementing his signature “Go-Go Offense,” Marion introduces an innovative system characterized by triple-option principles and unique unbalanced formations designed to exploit defensive spacing.

This transition from a traditional pro-style approach to an explosive attack is expected to significantly elevate the Buffaloes’ scoring efficiency and provide a more dynamic platform for Julian Lewis to showcase his elite arm talent.

A tough start to the season

The Colorado Buffaloes finished the 2025 season with a 3-9 record (1-8 in the Big 12 Conference) and will be looking to quickly reverse this last impression.

• at Georgia Tech, September 3rd
• vs Weber State, September 12th
• at Northwestern, September 19th
• at Baylor, September 26th
• vs Texas Tech, October 3rd

“I loved the urgency and expectation in every single period. Every minute of every period is mapped out. They waste no time and are moving in and out of drills with urgency and a pace unlike any other practice I’ve seen,” he said via Chad Simmons.

“I recently included UGA in my top 10,” Roper continued. “There’s definitely been movement since then. I can say this — they’re a lot closer to No. 1 than they are No. 10.”

Boulder needs to bolster the OL

During the 2025 season, the Colorado Buffaloes’ offensive line remained a critical liability, consistently failing to provide a clean pocket for their quarterbacks.

The unit surrendered a total of 39 sacks over 12 games, averaging 3.25 sacks allowed per contest, which ranked them among the bottom tier of the Big 12 in pass protection.

This lack of stability forced quarterbacks like Kaidon Salter and Julian Lewis to face constant pressure, resulting in a staggering 245 yards lost due to sacks.

Furthermore, the struggling front line hindered the run game, which managed only 3.5 yards per carry, leaving the offense one-dimensional and often overwhelmed by physical defensive fronts.

Potential offensive line for the Buffaloes

The 2026 Buffaloes offensive line features a revamped unit anchored by Bo Hughley at LT and Demetrius Hunter at center.

While Yahya Attia and Larry Johnson III provide veteran stability, the battle for the interior is heating up; notably, Jayvon McFadden is emerging as a strong contender for the starting RG spot alongside newcomer Jose Soto.

This group’s primary mission is protecting Julian Lewis as Colorado looks to dominate the Big 12.

Smart could lock down Roper

Georgia’s unparalleled track record of developing elite defensive talent into first-round NFL picks is the ultimate recruiting pitch for Roper. Under Kirby Smart, the Bulldogs have produced a staggering 15 defensive players drafted in the first round over the last five years, more than any other program in the country.

By joining a system that consistently leads the nation in scoring defense, Roper wouldn’t just be playing for championships; he would be entering a proven pipeline designed to maximize his draft stock and transition him seamlessly to the professional level.

Coach Prime brings vast experience in the game, so his words naturally carry weight. In a recent conversation with the media, and perhaps somewhat indirectly, he addressed the situation facing Shedeur and what he will need to do to earn the starting job beginning in Week 1.

“Work. That’s the way you win everything in life. I ain’t never seen somebody who didn’t want to work win. He’s a bona fide worker. He’s a true leader. He’s a bona fide baller. Just get in there with the head coach, get in there with the OC, get in the playbook early, and just put in work,” Deion said during a recent interview on ESPN’s First Take.

Although there are still several weeks to go before the first major moves ahead of the upcoming season begin, new head coach Todd Monken will have to decide who will serve as his team’s primary leader at the start of the new campaign.

Who will be the starter for the Browns?

Heading into the 2026 season, the Cleveland Browns’ quarterback room is defined by a wide-open competition under new head coach Todd Monken. The frontrunner appears to be Shedeur Sanders, who showed significant growth during the final seven games of his 2025 rookie campaign, though the front office has made it clear he will have to earn the job in camp.

He is pushed by Dillon Gabriel, who started much of last year but is now viewed more as a high-end backup or “bridge” option. Meanwhile, Deshaun Watson remains the most complicated piece of the puzzle; despite his massive contract making him a roster lock, his role is uncertain as he returns from a second Achilles surgery.

Additionally, rumors suggest the Browns are active in the veteran market, with Malik Willis and even Kirk Cousins mentioned as potential additions to provide the veteran stability the young roster lacks.

Aiming to foster a disciplined team, Coach Prime has introduced a new accountability system that affects players’ NIL earnings. In this way, Colorado will now impose fines for missing team obligations.

During the team’s introductory meeting after the transfer portal closed, Sanders gave an important address to his players, outlining point by point the fines they would face for failing to meet certain requirements. Among them are:

• No show practice: $2,500
• No show meeting or film session: $2,000
• Late to practice: $500
• No show strength & conditioning: $1,500
• No show treatment: $1,500

Coach Prime’s clear message

With 41 newcomers joining the program through the NCAA transfer portal, Sanders hosted the official kickoff in Boulder to start building the team for the new season. During the session, players met all of their coaches, including coordinators Brennan Marion and Robert Livingston.

“I’m supposed to have 100-something men, but not everyone’s a man right now,” Coach Prime started. “But through this process — and that’s what I love, the process. I’m really not in love with the results. I’m in love with the process. I like the struggle. I like the journey. … We’re in the process right now.

“But I need men. I don’t need boys. I don’t need blamers, or people that’s on a list. I don’t need naysayers. I don’t need people who sold this court amongst other men, who talk about program, who talk about this. And I’m not having it this year. Ain’t no way in the world, because we’re winning whether you like it or not.”

Jordan Seaton has stood out as one of the key players for the Buffaloes’ structure, even being considered by ESPN as the No. 4 overall player in the NCAA transfer portal.

According to the latest information provided by insider Pete Thamel, the offensive tackle is scheduled to meet with the Oregon Ducks on Monday. He has also already visited Miami and Mississippi State, while today he will meet with LSU.

If this potential departure comes to fruition, it would undoubtedly be a major blow for the Colorado Buffaloes, which did not have the best season and will be looking in some way to return to the spotlight in the near future.

Seaton’s standout season in Boulder

Despite a season-ending injury that sidelined him for the final three games, Jordan Seaton solidified his reputation as a premier protector during the 2025 campaign.

The sophomore left tackle was a force on the line, allowing only 1 sack, 0 QB hits, and a mere 5 pressures across 541 snaps. His dominant play earned him a spot on the All-Big 12 Second Team, as he consistently ranked among the best pass-blockers not only in the Big 12 but across all Power Five conferences.

Seaton’s elite technical skills and consistency in pass protection have made him one of the most coveted prospects in the nation, underscoring his vital role as a cornerstone of the offensive line.

There’s still no official confirmation, but both Pete Nakos and Steve Wiltfong have reported an intriguing potential move in Boulder. DeAndre Moore, one of the Longhorns’ top receivers this past season, could be changing programs for the upcoming season.

The prediction is that Moore could join the Buffaloes next season, bolstering a unit that, unfortunately for Deion Sanders, failed to deliver the explosive performance he had hoped for at the start of the campaign.

DeAndre Moore’s stats from last season

During his tenure with the Texas Longhorns, DeAndre Moore emerged as a reliable and explosive playmaker, establishing himself as a key weapon for quarterback Arch Manning. Moore’s ability to find soft spots in defenses and pick up yards after the catch made him a constant threat on the field.

He concluded his campaign with an impressive 38 receptions for 532 yards, averaging a robust 14.0 yards per catch. With 4 touchdowns to his name, Moore proved to be a consistent scoring threat and a foundational piece of the Longhorns’ aerial attack.

Buffaloes look to strengthen their receiving corps

The Colorado Buffaloes are looking at DeAndre Moore Jr. as the essential piece to revive a passing game that struggled to find its identity in the first post-Travis Hunter season.

Following a 2025 campaign where the receiving corps lacked a consistent vertical threat, the need for Moore’s explosive playmaking is evident; while some players flashed potential, secondary options like Dre’Lon Miller struggled to create separation, averaging a mere 7.9 yards per catch and totaling only 158 yards.

Speaking to reporters, Shanahan said, “It is weird just because he was my hero growing up. He was probably my number one player, just in terms of being a true fan of.” Shanahan then added, “I always talk about how I got his jersey in ’94 and wore it for about six months straight till someone jacked it from me. I’m still looking for that guy. But no, he was such a unique player.”

Now, Shanahan has the task to compete and beat Shedeur Sanders on Sunday. The 49ers are in the middle of a playoff race, while Sanders is trying to establish himself as an NFL starting quarterback.

Sanders made history in his Browns’ starting debut

By winning in his starting debut, Sanders became the only Browns QB to win in his first game as a starter in nearly 30 years. Sanders completed 11 of 20 attempts for 209 yards with one touchdown and an interception.

The Browns were able to beat the Raiders and while Sanders was good, he wasn’t stellar. Still, he at least provided some big plays, and that’s an upside the Browns didn’t have prior to him being under center.

The 49ers can’t have a mishap against the Browns

Despite all the injuries they’ve suffered, the 49ers are still alive and in the mix for a playoff berth. Right now, the 49ers hold the seventh seed in the NFC, the last playoff spot. However, they can’t afford to lose, as the Lions are breathing on their neck.

Hence, San Francisco needs a win to keep its hopes alive. With a plethora of injuries, Kyle Shanahan has put one of his best coaching seasons so far in the NFL. Now, he wil have to put a clinic to beat Deion Sanders‘ son.