Dawgs By Nature

Bond is part of Cleveland's young offensive core whose development is tied to the QB competition outcome. The source emphasizes that the quarterback's ability to execute the presnap process—getting plays in, making audibles, sliding protections, and getting plays off in time—is critical for Bond and the other young players to develop properly. If the starting QB struggles with these fundamentals, Bond and the young group could 'learn bad habits, struggle to focus on their own details, and see their development set back.' This development consideration appears to be influencing the decision-makers' preference for Watson over Sanders, as Watson's superior presnap process could better facilitate Bond's growth.

Boston is part of Cleveland's young offensive core whose development is tied to the QB competition outcome. The source emphasizes that the quarterback's ability to execute the presnap process—getting plays in, making audibles, sliding protections, and getting plays off in time—is critical for Boston and the other young players to develop properly. If the starting QB struggles with these fundamentals, Boston and the young group could 'learn bad habits, struggle to focus on their own details, and see their development set back.' This development consideration appears to be influencing the decision-makers' preference for Watson over Sanders, as Watson's superior presnap process could better facilitate Boston's growth.

Concepcion is part of Cleveland's young offensive core whose development is tied to the QB competition outcome. The source emphasizes that the quarterback's ability to execute the presnap process—getting plays in, making audibles, sliding protections, and getting plays off in time—is critical for Concepcion and the other young players to develop properly. If the starting QB struggles with these fundamentals, Concepcion and the young group could 'learn bad habits, struggle to focus on their own details, and see their development set back.' This development consideration appears to be influencing the decision-makers' preference for Watson over Sanders, as Watson's superior presnap process could better facilitate Concepcion's growth.

Fannin Jr. is part of Cleveland's young offensive core whose development is tied to the QB competition outcome. The source emphasizes that the quarterback's ability to execute the presnap process—getting plays in, making audibles, sliding protections, and getting plays off in time—is critical for Fannin Jr. and the other young players to develop properly. If the starting QB struggles with these fundamentals, Fannin Jr. and the young group could 'learn bad habits, struggle to focus on their own details, and see their development set back.' This development consideration appears to be influencing the decision-makers' preference for Watson over Sanders, as Watson's superior presnap process could better facilitate Fannin Jr.'s growth.

Judkins is part of Cleveland's young offensive core whose development is tied to the QB competition outcome. The source emphasizes that the quarterback's ability to execute the presnap process—getting plays in, making audibles, sliding protections, and getting plays off in time—is critical for Judkins and the other young players to develop properly. If the starting QB struggles with these fundamentals, Judkins and the young group could 'learn bad habits, struggle to focus on their own details, and see their development set back.' This development consideration appears to be influencing the decision-makers' preference for Watson over Sanders, as Watson's superior presnap process could better facilitate Judkins' growth.

Gabriel entered the starter conversation as a contingency option when both Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders struggled throughout OTAs and training camp. The source notes that 'some started to wonder if Dillon Gabriel would enter the starter conversation,' indicating he was considered only as a fallback if the primary two candidates continued to underperform. However, Watson's emergence as the likely starter suggests Gabriel remains a third option rather than a serious contender for the 2026 starting role.

Sanders has struggled throughout OTAs and training camp, losing ground in the QB competition to Deshaun Watson despite many believing the Browns' future would lead to Sanders getting the job. The source notes that while Sanders is 'young, cheap, and has some upside,' his struggles with the presnap process and cadence work—areas HC Monken has prioritized as vital—have cost him first-team reps. Though Sanders would make sense as the starter 'in a vacuum,' his inability to execute the presnap process could negatively impact the development of Cleveland's young offensive core. The decision-makers (GM Andrew Berry and Monken) have made clear that winning and production in 2026 would decide the starter, and Sanders' current performance suggests Watson is the likely choice.

Watson appears to have taken control of the Browns QB competition despite both he and Sanders struggling throughout OTAs and training camp. HC Todd Monken gave Watson all first-team reps on Saturday despite initially stating Sanders would receive them. The source suggests Watson's edge stems from his superior presnap process and cadence work—areas Monken has emphasized as vital for the starting quarterback. Watson's veteran experience managing the presnap process is seen as beneficial for developing Cleveland's young offensive core (Judkins, Fannin Jr., Fano, Concepcion, Boston, Bond), as poor quarterback execution could teach bad habits to younger players. While Watson has been 'better but not great' at presnap activities compared to Sanders, his relative advantage in this area appears to be the deciding factor, making him the likely choice as the 2026 starter.

Sanders faces competition for the starting quarterback role with Deshaun Watson increasingly likely to be named the starter, suggesting Sanders may move into a backup role.

Watson is now positioned to be named the starter for the Browns over Shedeur Sanders, marking a potential shift in the team's quarterback hierarchy after his injury-plagued tenure.

Watson suffered a shoulder injury in 2023 and a torn Achilles tendon in 2024, which he re-tore in 2025, causing him to miss 38 games over three seasons (2023–2025). The Browns declined to activate him during the 2025 season despite a 21-day return window, as the season was essentially lost.

During Browns training camp practice, Judkins was lined up in the slot and called into motion by quarterback Deshaun Watson; Judkins refused to go in motion, leading to a back-and-forth exchange that lasted until the play clock ran out, resulting in a penalty.

Sanders has improved significantly in his area of weakness over the past week during Browns training camp; the source notes he has made strides in operational skills as the quarterback competition heats up.

Watson has improved significantly in his area of weakness over the past week during Browns training camp; the source notes he has made strides in accuracy and efficiency as the quarterback competition heats up.

Shedeur Sanders is competing for the Browns' starting QB role in 2026. The Athletic ranked him #35 among the league's top 35 quarterbacks in the bottom tier. The source questions whether Sanders is actually the darling of the league and everyone but the Browns knows about it, suggesting potential disconnect between media perception and the Browns' evaluation.

Deshaun Watson, a three-time Pro Bowler, is competing for the Browns' starting QB role in 2026. The Athletic ranked him #31 among the league's top 35 quarterbacks in the bottom tier. The source notes the Browns' QB situation remains unresolved after training camp, with drama emerging on Day 10, and questions whether Watson can rekindle his skills.

Boston, a rookie not selected as the Browns' first pick in April's draft, holds importance to the team's success this season that is every bit as significant as top pick Spencer Fano; the source indicates he and fellow rookie KC Concepcion are ready to carry the weight of expectations.

Concepcion, a rookie not selected as the Browns' first pick in April's draft, holds importance to the team's success this season that is every bit as significant as top pick Spencer Fano; the source indicates he and fellow rookie Denzel Boston are ready to carry the weight of expectations.

Sanders was supposed to get first-team reps on Day 10 of Browns training camp (Saturday, August 8), but Watson took all the QB1 snaps instead; this represents a shift in the alternating rotation that had characterized the QB competition through the first 10 days of camp.

Watson took QB1 lead on Day 10 of Browns training camp, getting all first-team reps on Saturday (August 8) in what was supposed to be Shedeur Sanders' day; this marks the first change in quarterback order during camp and suggests Watson may be moving ahead in the two-way battle for the August 15 preseason opener against Chicago.

Fannin was the target on Deshaun Watson's first completion of Day 10 practice with the first team, and later connected with Watson again on an 11/11 play, demonstrating consistent target share and connection with the QB.

Jeudy had two drops during Day 10 practice, a negative performance indicator during training camp.

Boston scored a touchdown in training camp, using his body effectively on a pass from Deshaun Watson; this continues to build confidence in his development as a receiving target in the Browns offense.

Concepcion has delivered in every way possible during training camp and continues to stand out; he made a great hands catch over the middle on a pass from Deshaun Watson, demonstrating the ability to make plays in traffic; the source is excited to see how he performs against live action and contact in preseason games.

Gabriel appeared to be getting work with the second-team offense on Day 10, positioning him between Deshaun Watson (first team) and Shedeur Sanders (third team) in the QB rotation.

Sanders was expected to receive first-team reps on Day 10 based on head coach Todd Monken's pre-practice indication, but instead was benched to third string behind Deshaun Watson (first team) and Dillon Gabriel (second team); this represents a significant depth chart demotion and signals a potential shift in the QB competition.

Watson received most of the first-team reps on Day 10 despite head coach Todd Monken indicating beforehand that Shedeur Sanders would get the ones; Watson delivered a solid practice, marking the second time in three days he looked like a respectable NFL quarterback; the team later clarified Monken wanted Watson to work with certain personnel groupings, suggesting a potential shift in first-team reps distribution leading into the preseason.

Gabriel served as the third-string QB on Saturday, splitting second-team reps with Shedeur Sanders and throwing 12 passes. Gabriel was frequently paired with Watson in drills rather than Sanders, indicating a depth chart positioning behind both Watson and Sanders in the Browns' QB competition.

Sanders was demoted to QB2 on Saturday after alternating first-team reps with Watson throughout the offseason and training camp. Despite head coach Todd Monken telling media before practice that Sanders would take the majority of first-team reps, Sanders instead split second-team time with Dillon Gabriel and threw only 20 passes compared to Watson's 34. The demotion occurred as the Browns began game preparation for the Chicago Bears.

Watson took all first-team QB reps on Saturday with 34 pass attempts, a significant shift from the alternating schedule that had been in place throughout the offseason and training camp. Head coach Todd Monken had told media before practice that Sanders would take the majority of first-team reps, but Watson received all of them instead, with Sanders relegated to second-team reps alongside Dillon Gabriel. The change suggests Watson has taken the lead in the Browns' QB competition ahead of game preparation for the Chicago Bears.

Sanders is competing with Deshaun Watson for the starting QB role in the August 15 preseason opener against the Chicago Bears. Head coach Todd Monken has indicated Sanders has shown improvement and grasp of the offense in camp, though the source notes the competition remains fluid depending on daily performance. Monken plans to give both quarterbacks a preseason start before deciding the regular-season opener starter against Jacksonville.

Watson is competing with Shedeur Sanders for the starting QB role in the August 15 preseason opener against the Chicago Bears. Head coach Todd Monken has stated he expects to give both quarterbacks a start in the preseason before making a final decision on the regular-season opener against Jacksonville. Watson has shown veteran presence in camp, though the source notes neither quarterback has demonstrated enough to instill confidence as a long-term solution.

Competing with Deshaun Watson for the starting QB position; has reportedly made strides in the competition and neither has seemed to distance themselves from the other almost two weeks into training camp; HC Todd Monken will decide between the two after installation periods are finished.

Competing with Shedeur Sanders for the starting QB position; as of two weeks into training camp, neither has separated from the other despite some snap differences on Thursday; HC Todd Monken plans to name a starter later in training camp after both players have been evaluated through rotating days of reps.

Training camp standout receiving the most excitement from both local and national media members at Cleveland Browns camp; expectations are soaring for the 2026 season based on his physical tools and playmaking abilities.

Dillon Gabriel has emerged as a third QB candidate in the Browns' quarterback competition, with 68% of fans voting to include him in the starter race. While the source remained skeptical about his downfield throwing ability from last year, Lane Adkins of The OBR identified a significant positive change: Gabriel is keeping his eyes downfield consistently, showing improved decision-making on when to check down, throwing the ball well, and demonstrating consistency throughout the offseason process.

Sanders is competing with Deshaun Watson for the Browns starting QB role, with Head Coach Todd Monken planning to evaluate both through rotating reps in training camp before naming a starter. Sanders shows the same promise as he did a year ago, but the speed might not be quite there yet, suggesting some concern about his athleticism development.

Watson is in active competition with Shedeur Sanders for the Browns starting QB job, with Head Coach Todd Monken planning to name a starter after rotating reps through training camp. However, camp performance has been disappointing; Watson still looks lost or wild most days, with only a few good throws mixed in between, raising concerns about his readiness for the starter role.

Running back Raheim Sanders was stripped of the ball by linebacker Winston Reid during an end-of-game drive with quarterback Shedeur Sanders, resulting in a turnover.

Quarterback Deshaun Watson had a mixed Day 9: he connected with Isaiah Bond on a deep ball down the left sideline and later found Bond for a touchdown in an end-of-game situation, but he also sailed a pass over Bond's head that was intercepted by cornerback Denzel Ward. He continues to compete in the quarterback battle with mixed results.