The Cleveland Browns are no strangers to offseason drama, and according to NFL insider Tom Pelissero, they’ve willingly signed up for another chapter in their long‑running quarterback saga.
This time, it’s a mid‑round battle between Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders—two highly discussed prospects with drastically different resumes and question marks.
Browns Stir Up QB Chaos With Dillon Gabriel vs. Shedeur Sanders Competition
Pelissero, speaking on NFL Network, acknowledged that Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski likely isn’t thrilled about yet another quarterback controversy dominating the narrative. “They’ve lived it with Deshaun Watson, they’ve lived it with Myles Garrett—they’re used to it,” Pelissero said. But despite the potential for distraction, the Browns have clearly embraced the chaos.
The logic behind their picks? Traits over certainty.
Dillon Gabriel, known for his pinpoint accuracy at Oklahoma, impressed scouts with his decision‑making and poise in the pocket. However, at just over 5 feet 10 inches, size and durability are serious concerns at the pro level. Pelissero compared him to a “mini Tua Tagovailoa,” highlighting both the upside and the physical limitations. Gabriel isn’t a guaranteed starter, but his consistency and mechanics make him an intriguing developmental piece.
Then there’s Shedeur Sanders, son of NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders. Shedeur brings a different kind of swagger to the competition. He’s accurate, tough and a proven leader who’s helped revive programs at Jackson State and Colorado. Yet he lacks a big arm and isn’t the elite athlete his father was.
What’s more, Pelissero cautions that Sanders will face a major adjustment. “For the first time since he was a kid, his dad’s not his coach,” Pelissero warned. “And the accountability structures are going to be different.”
That said, the Browns may simply be playing the numbers game. As Pelissero put it, “If this is just a matter of lottery tickets—which mid‑round quarterbacks are—buy the second ticket while it’s cheap and see what you get.”
Even if Sanders doesn’t work out, Cleveland would only be out a fifth‑round pick—a small price to pay in today’s NFL. But they’ll certainly face media scrutiny either way, especially after Pelissero’s pre‑draft article quoting anonymous league sources questioning Sanders’ maturity and how he “carries himself.”
With the Browns now essentially tossing both Gabriel and Sanders into the fire, the battle for QB1 could shape not only the team’s depth chart but its public identity.
Even if Shedeur doesn’t work out, Cleveland would only be out a fifth-round pick, a small price to pay in today’s NFL. But they’ll certainly get media scrutiny either way, especially after Pelissero’s pre-draft article quoting anonymous league sources questioning Sanders’ maturity and how he “carries himself.”
KEEP READING: Another Bite at The Apple: Tom Pelissero Talks About Andrew Berry’s Logic To Draft Shedeur Sanders at No. 144
With the Browns now essentially tossing both Gabriel and Sanders into the fire, the battle for QB1 could shape not only the team’s depth chart, but its public identity.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
