The Cleveland Browns didn’t hesitate in the 2025 NFL Draft when they picked quarterback Dillon Gabriel with the 94th overall pick in the third round. After missing out on their top target, Cam Ward, who went earlier in the draft, the Browns zeroed in on Gabriel as their must-have signal-caller.
With their next selection not until pick 126 in the fourth round, General Manager Andrew Berry and his staff worried Gabriel wouldn’t still be on the board. So, they pounced, adding a seasoned college standout to an already packed quarterback room. The move here was not just about filling the roster spot, but a more calculated play.
Report: Browns Prioritized Dillon Gabriel After Missing Out on Cam Ward
Cleveland’s draft plan for quarterback was straightforward and flexible at the same time. According to Nathan Zegura of Sporting News, the Browns had a clear pecking order: land Cam Ward if possible, but if not, don’t let Dillon Gabriel slip away.
Zegura, citing conversations with Berry, noted the team’s front office was convinced Gabriel wouldn’t last until their fourth-round slot at 126. That fear drove them to grab him at 94, late on day two of the draft.
Nathan Zegura talked with Sporting News about the Browns rookie quarterbacks.
He said Andrew Berry told him the Browns were confident they wouldn’t be able to get Dillon Gabriel in the 4th round (Pick 126), so they grabbed him at Pick 94 toward the end of day two.
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Interestingly, Shedeur Sanders, another high-profile quarterback prospect, was still there when the Browns picked Gabriel. Sanders, who’d starred at Colorado, carried plenty of buzz, but Cleveland’s decision suggests they saw something special in Gabriel that fit their vision. This wasn’t about hype; it was about fit and timing. The Browns knew the draft board could shift quickly, and they weren’t willing to gamble on Gabriel falling further.
Gabriel isn’t the typical rookie QB. By the time he declared for the NFL Draft, he’d already carved out a six-year college career across UCF, Oklahoma, and Oregon. That’s 64 games of experience, which stands out in a league where experience matters. In 2024, Gabriel capped his journey as a Heisman Trophy finalist, tying the FBS record for career passing touchdowns.
Gabriel’s game translation is what makes him captivating for Cleveland. He’s not the tallest QB, a knock some scouts point to, but he makes up for it with pinpoint accuracy, smart decision-making, and the ability to extend plays with his legs. Kevin Stefanski’s offense thrives on those traits, leaning on quarterbacks who can process quickly and deliver the ball on time.
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Cleveland’s gamble on Gabriel feels like a masterstroke of foresight. They saw a player they loved, feared losing him, and acted decisively. Whether he’s the answer remains to be seen, but the Browns have given themselves a real shot at solving their quarterback puzzle. By September, fans will know if Gabriel’s the player to finally turn the page on years of frustration at the QB position.
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