NFL Analyst Sees 'More Upside' With Deshaun Watson, Points Out Shedeur Sanders' Flaws

Daniel Jeremiah explains why Deshaun Watson may still offer more upside for the Browns than second-year QB Shedeur Sanders.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 6:33pm

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The Cleveland Browns' quarterback situation remains unsettled heading into the 2026 season, with Shedeur Sanders entering Year 2 and Deshaun Watson attempting to work his way back from injury. NFL analyst Daniel Jeremiah believes Watson still has a higher ceiling than Sanders, despite the latter's promising rookie campaign.

Why it matters

The Browns' quarterback decision will be crucial as they look to improve on a disappointing 2025 season. While Sanders has shown potential, Jeremiah's analysis suggests Watson's upside could make him the better long-term option if he can regain his pre-injury form.

The details

Jeremiah highlighted concerns about Sanders' pocket habits and overall ceiling, noting the young QB still has technical and functional issues to address. Meanwhile, Jeremiah believes Watson, if healthy, could offer more upside than Sanders due to his past elite-level play. This creates a dilemma for the Browns, who must weigh Sanders' consistency against Watson's higher potential.

  • Shedeur Sanders enters his second NFL season in 2026.
  • Deshaun Watson is attempting to work his way back from a lengthy injury absence.

The players

Shedeur Sanders

The Cleveland Browns' second-year quarterback who showed promise as a rookie but still has room for improvement according to NFL analyst Daniel Jeremiah.

Deshaun Watson

The veteran quarterback for the Cleveland Browns who is attempting to return from a lengthy injury absence and could offer more upside than Sanders if healthy.

Daniel Jeremiah

An NFL draft analyst who provided detailed evaluations of both Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson's potential for the Browns.

Todd Monken

The new head coach of the Cleveland Browns who is expected to make an early decision on the team's starting quarterback.

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What they’re saying

“I was someone who, when I watched him, there were a lot of good things coming out of Colorado. I just didn't think he was ultra twitchy, and I thought he had some bad habits. Really, the drifting thing was worrisome, and that showed up last year as well. So there's still things he needs to work on there.”

— Daniel Jeremiah, NFL Draft Analyst

“I liked him. I think he was my 20th overall player in that class. And obviously it felt like a rock out of that draft. But last year, I thought I saw a lot of similar things. So I thought you saw some anticipation, the touch, the accuracy. He's got some habits in terms of holding the ball and drifting in the pocket that need to be cleaned up. I don't know that he's ever going to be a top 10 quarterback in the NFL. I don't think he has that type of ceiling, but I think he has a chance to be a functional starter.”

— Daniel Jeremiah, NFL Draft Analyst

“The challenge is going to be as I've seen Deshaun Watson at his best… he played at an elite level, and there's a higher ceiling with him. If he could ever find his way back to that. And maybe that's gone and never going to happen. But I would be intrigued at least when he's healthy, new coach, new system. I want to see what that looks like first, just because I think there is more upside with him.”

— Daniel Jeremiah, NFL Draft Analyst

What’s next

The Browns will need to decide whether to hand the starting job to Shedeur Sanders or give Deshaun Watson a chance to compete for the role if he is healthy enough. This decision will be a key factor in the team's efforts to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 season.

The takeaway

The Browns' quarterback situation remains unsettled, with the team needing to weigh Shedeur Sanders' consistency against Deshaun Watson's higher potential upside if he can regain his pre-injury form. This decision will be crucial for the franchise as it looks to improve in 2026.