Dillon Gabriel was overjoyed when he was selected in the third round of last spring’s draft. His lifelong dream of reaching the NFL had finally come true. Unfortunately, that dream placed him with one of the league’s most dysfunctional franchises, the Cleveland Browns, a team that continues to operate without direction or stability.
Neither at the executive nor operational level have the Browns shown effectiveness. Ever since the franchise returned to the league, years of disappointment have far outweighed the few rare moments of success.
This season began with veteran quarterback Joe Flacco under center, but he is no longer even on the roster. After being benched, Gabriel stepped in, a young quarterback full of promise but surrounded by teammates who offer little support, limiting his ability to make a meaningful impact.
A receiving corps that has failed Dillon Gabriel
Gabriel’s top target is Jerry Jeudy, who leads the team with 240 receiving yards but has yet to score a touchdown. Cedric Tillman has reached the end zone twice, though that production remains insufficient to make the offense truly competitive.
The Browns’ wideouts also rank 30th in the NFL in average route speed, meaning they struggle to create separation once their plays begin. Under those conditions, success is nearly impossible.
Worse yet, Cleveland’s receivers lead the league in dropped passes, with 17 so far in 2025. Of those, 10 could have resulted in touchdowns and another 10 in crucial first downs.
This damning statistic was shared by Jason Lloyd of The Athletic, who wrote:
Browns receivers are among the slowest in the league, they create the least amount of separation and they drop more passes – including more crucial, chain-moving passes – than any other team. And they might have the worst collection of tackles in the league. What offense will be successful in the NFL under those conditions?
Additionally, the Browns rank 30th in red zone efficiency. Their receivers have combined for only five touchdown catches all season. Collectively, Jeudy, Isaiah Bond, Tillman, Jamari Thrash, and Gage Larvadain have 51 receptions for 544 yards and two scores.
By contrast, Cleveland’s tight ends and running backs have been more productive. Harold Fannin Jr. and David Njoku, along with backs Dylan Sampson, Jerome Ford, and Quinshon Judkins, have totaled 701 yards and three touchdown receptions.
These figures illustrate the offensive poverty afflicting the Browns. While Gabriel bears some responsibility as the unit’s leader, it’s evident that he lacks the supporting cast necessary to deliver consistent results.
Browns expected to pursue another quarterback in 2026 draft; Fernando Mendoza emerges as target
Neither Gabriel nor Shedeur Sanders has convinced head coach Kevin Stefanski or the front office. According to multiple analysts, the Browns plan to select Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza in the 2026 draft.
The passer has reportedly impressed the organization, and Cleveland seems poised to bring him in. If that happens, it would mean starting over once again at the most important position on the roster, a cycle of failure the Browns appear unable to escape.
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