Recently, Cleveland Browns insider Zac Jackson brought some insight to rookie quarterbacks Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel’s place in the hierarchy.
“Well, we’re seeing a lot more of Dillon [Gabriel]; the reps sort of even out, but he gets the chances with the first, and he always jumps in the first.” (3:42)
The pertinent comments from the insider inform us that Gabriel is getting chances with the first and second team, not mostly working with the third- and fourth-deep players.
“Dillon has plenty of arm strength. I think he’s been inconsistent,” Jackson noted when evaluating the third-round pick’s performance.”
The difference in opportunities becomes larger when you consider Jackson’s evaluation of Shedeur Sanders’ recent play.
“I didn’t see him brimming with a ton of confidence yesterday. I can remember one good throw,” Jackson revealed, suggesting Sanders may be struggling to find his rhythm.
According to Jackson’s take, Sanders has not had an easy road to this point. The rookie quarterback comes off largely working with XFL players that create a tough evaluation process.
Shedeur Sanders Must Earn His Opportunities in Crowded Browns QB Room
Shedeur Sanders’ accuracy has shown flashes, according to Zack Jackson’s analysis. This suggests Sanders possesses the technical skills but may be struggling with consistency and confidence in his new environment.
“Shedeur has been mostly accurate on his good ones. When it leaves his hand, you know, right?” (4:13)
Jackson, the evaluation criteria he described covers the essential quarterback fundamentals. He assessed how quickly decisions are made and how they distribute the football, noting that it is important to understand how these young quarterbacks will react when they know where they are going with the football and/or when they want to go with it.
At this point, Gabriel seems to be in a better position, based on where he was drafted and how he has practiced in camp. As a third-round draft pick, he had an organization invested in him and was being brought in to camp at a higher level than Shedeur Sanders. Jackson noted that Gabriel was getting some substantial reps, and had some more talented teammates around him.
There is competition beyond just the rookie competition. Veteran Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett were the “real” competition in the quarterback room. Pickett, acquired from division rival Pittsburgh Steelers, had experience in the AFC North and had emerged as a real candidate for the starting job.
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