Browns' Todd Monken identifies Shedeur Sanders' rookie season standout

New head coach sees promise in the young quarterback's playmaking ability and inner confidence.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 9:06am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a quarterback in motion, with sharp planes of orange and brown representing the Cleveland Browns' uniform colors and the dynamic nature of the play.A cubist interpretation of a Browns quarterback's dynamic playmaking ability, hinting at the team's hopes for Shedeur Sanders' development.Cleveland Today

Cleveland Browns new head coach Todd Monken is encouraged by quarterback Shedeur Sanders' playmaking ability and inner confidence, despite the rookie's struggles with pocket presence and mechanics. Monken believes the coaching staff can help Sanders develop into an elite NFL quarterback if he continues to build on his natural talents.

Why it matters

The Browns are hoping Sanders can be their long-term answer at quarterback after he took over the starting job midway through the 2025 season. Monken's assessment of Sanders' strengths and weaknesses provides insight into the team's plan to develop the young signal-caller.

The details

In a recent interview, Monken praised Sanders' playmaking ability and confidence, saying 'there's something to work with there.' However, the coach acknowledged the rookie's issues with pocket presence and mechanics, which led to him taking too many sacks. Monken said the onus is on the coaching staff to help Sanders overcome these flaws and reach his full potential as an elite NFL quarterback.

  • Shedeur Sanders took over as the Browns' primary quarterback midway through the 2025 season.
  • Monken's comments came in a recent interview ahead of the 2026 NFL season.

The players

Shedeur Sanders

The Cleveland Browns' young quarterback who took over the starting job in 2025 and is seen as a potential long-term answer at the position.

Todd Monken

The new head coach of the Cleveland Browns, who is tasked with developing Shedeur Sanders into an elite NFL quarterback.

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What they’re saying

“I think you see playmaking ability. I think you see a player that is confident in his skillset. So when you see that playmaking ability and inner confidence, you say, 'Okay, there's something to work with there.'”

— Todd Monken, Head Coach, Cleveland Browns

What’s next

The Browns will look to Sanders to take a big step forward in his development during the 2026 season, with Monken and the coaching staff working to improve his pocket presence and mechanics.

The takeaway

The Browns are betting on Shedeur Sanders' natural playmaking ability and confidence, but acknowledge he has significant room for growth. If the coaching staff can help him shore up his weaknesses, Sanders could emerge as the long-term answer at quarterback the team has been seeking.