The Cleveland Browns’ quarterback room is one of the league’s most compelling offseason storylines, featuring veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett alongside rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. The rookie competition kicked off at minicamp this past weekend, with both prospects beginning their quest to emerge as Cleveland’s top newcomer.
Gabriel, selected in the third round out of Oregon, and Sanders, a fifth-round pick from Colorado, are now competing under a full roster during the team’s offseason program. With all four quarterbacks now active, every snap and insider takeaway intensifies speculation about the Browns’ long-term direction.
Dillon Gabriel vs. Shedeur Sanders — Browns QB Battle Heating Up
The Cleveland Browns’ quarterback competition has taken center stage during the early stages of the 2025 offseason, with the spotlight shifting toward rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders following their first practices at rookie minicamp.
While initial impressions varied, the debate has intensified, particularly after local insider Tony Grossi shared a favorable evaluation of Gabriel.
“I thought, [on] both days, Dillon Gabriel looked a little bit better,” Grossi said. “He throws a tight spiral, he throws a beautiful ball, he’s very assertive. He knows the pocket. You could tell that even though they’re not rushing. He just has a pocket presence.”
Some early observers believed Sanders may have edged Gabriel on the opening day of camp. However, by the end of the weekend, opinions appeared to shift, with several analysts — including Grossi — citing Gabriel’s poise and arm talent as distinguishing factors.
Cleveland’s quarterback depth chart is a mixture of proven veterans and young talent. Joe Flacco returns after a resurgent 2024 season, while Kenny Pickett joins the group following a trade.
In April’s draft, the Browns selected Gabriel in the third round out of Oregon, then added Sanders in the fifth, a notable slide for the high-profile Colorado standout. Gabriel addressed the team’s decision to bring in Sanders shortly after drafting him, responding with maturity and competitiveness.
“Yeah, I love it. You know, I love it because of who it is,” Gabriel said. “I think just for us both, you can learn from one another. But also, it’s not just us two in the room. At least for right now, it is. But going into the year Kenny [Pickett], Joe [Flacco] and even Deshaun [Watson] — just a bunch of guys who played a bunch of ball that we can all learn from one another.”
KEEP READING: ‘His Agenda Has Been Known’ — ESPN Analyst Sparks Backlash With Lukewarm Dillon Gabriel vs. Shedeur Sanders Assessment
Sanders had positive remarks for Gabriel as well.
“Cool. Yeah, even normal,” Sanders said. “He’s a real cool guy overall. You could tell he always has a great mood. He’s always in a good mood. I’ve only been around two days, though, but he always has a great mood. But overall, I could tell he’s a pretty good person.”
With four quarterbacks in the mix, including Deshaun Watson still on the roster, Cleveland’s upcoming training camp promises to deliver one of the league’s most closely watched positional battles.
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