Shedeur Sanders hails Browns HC Monken: 'Coach just spoke life into me'

Two days into voluntary workouts, Shedeur Sanders is talking about the "new vibe" and "new energy" head coach Todd Monken has brought to the Cleveland Browns.

He could be forgiven for feeling a little despondent after learning his encouraging stint as the starter would be rewarded with a quarterback battle involving Deshaun Watson and Dillon Gabriel.

But Sanders, it seems, is fired up and encouraged about Monken's straight-talking approach.

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Sanders feels understood under Monken

It sounds like Monken has been direct with Sanders, pulling him aside and telling him what needs to improve. The young quarterback loved the pep talk.

"I think coach just spoke life into me," Sanders said. "When you do that, you just get the best result for me."

It's a pointed remark from a player who, by implication, didn't always feel that way in his first year.

The 24-year-old found his way onto the field for seven starts last year, but things didn't always go smoothly, and many have wondered whether Sanders can push on in year two.

Sanders seems to believe his ability to absorb the new scheme gives him every chance to develop.

Sanders, Dillon, Watson: the QB competition

Sanders was first in line for quarterback reps at minicamp on Tuesday, taking the most snaps ahead of Deshaun Watson and Dillon Gabriel.

Monken pushed back on the rumours that the starting job is either Sanders' or Watson's to lose.

"I wouldn't say it's a two-man race," Monken said. "I would just say that at every position, there's competition, irrespective of the reps that they get."

He also spoke warmly about Gabriel. "What I have liked with Dillon is the way he goes about his business. Very professional, highly intelligent, understands football."

Sanders, for his part, isn't getting drawn into the politics of it. "That's not up to me," he said when asked if the starting job is his to claim.

"I go out there every day and focus on what I can control."

Sanders calls out the media

The new energy Sanders is feeling isn't just something he wants from his coaches. He's asking for it from everyone, including the media.

But the main takeaway is the positivity in camp.

"I'm loving what we're doing," Sanders said. "I'm open to learning every day. I'm just coming here with a renewed mindset and just approaching life with a renewed mindset."