The 2025 NFL Draft brought drama, surprises and a new chapter for the Cleveland Browns, who made waves by selecting two quarterbacks in a single draft class. After the draft, Browns star cornerback Denzel Ward took to X to welcome the new addition, Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders, with an energetic message tagging Sanders.
Fans Irate As Denzel Ward Spurns Dillon Gabriel
“Time to Be Legendary! Let’s do it!”
@ShedeurSanders Time to Be Legendary! Let’s do it!🔥
— Denzel Ward (@denzelward) April 26, 2025
However, his message omitted other Browns quarterback draftee, Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel, sparking discussions among fans.
Fans were quick to point out Ward’s omission.
Bro didn’t say nothin about Dillon Gabriel 😭🤣
— Nate (@natestakess) April 26, 2025
Ward’s public approval of Sanders projects the excitement surrounding the former Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year, but it also poses questions about the Browns’ quarterback room dynamics.
did u forget the better QB they drafted before him?
— Jesse (@d0wnsideofme) April 27, 2025
The team now has four quarterbacks on the roster: Sanders, Kenny Pickett, Gabriel and Joe Flacco. The Browns encounter a complex path forward as they strive to enhance their offense following Deshaun Watson’s struggles, and a recent Achilles injury will keep him sidelined for much of the 2025 season.
Ward’s statement is more than a simple welcome.
Sanders was once projected as a first-round talent but experienced a dramatic fall in the 2025 NFL Draft, finding himself in the fifth round after teams reportedly questioned his on-field processing, ability to read defenses and more.
Despite these concerns, the Browns traded up, sending their 166th and 192nd overall picks to the Philadelphia Eagles to secure Sanders at No. 144.
QB showdown about to be legendary in Cleveland
— Griddy: Football Puzzles (@Griddy_FF) April 26, 2025
Ward, a cornerstone of Cleveland’s defense since being drafted in 2018, wasted no time rallying behind the new quarterback, signaling a unified front within the locker room despite this expected QB battle.
The phrase “Time to Be Legendary” carries weight, especially coming from a player of Ward’s caliber, who has been a Pro Bowl selection and a leader for the Browns. His message, of course, resonated with fans and got them talking.
Remarkably, Ward’s post lacked any mention of Gabriel, the Oregon quarterback who was selected by the Browns in the third round, just a day before Sanders. Gabriel, a polished passer with a reputation for quick decision-making, was seen as a safer pick by many analysts, yet he didn’t receive the same public backing from Ward.
And it was clear that this omission didn’t go unnoticed by fans.
As the 2025 season approaches, Cleveland’s quarterback competition becomes the cynosure of all eyes. Sanders has the talent and the backing to make an impact, but he must prove he can adapt to the NFL’s game demands.
Gabriel, on the other hand, will look to secure his place, even if he’s currently flying under the radar.
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For Browns fans, the hope is that one of these young quarterbacks can finally bring stability to a position that has been a revolving door for a long time
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