From the moment Dillon Gabriel stepped onto the field for OTAs, there was a quiet but unmistakable shift. While many expected a developmental season for the third-round pick, Gabriel quickly made an impression-his command of the Browns’ offense looked far more seasoned than his rookie status would suggest.
Gabriel’s poise and execution in 11-on-11 drills, according to Cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot, didn’t just stand out-they subtly elevated him above fellow rookie Shedeur Sanders, who had entered the offseason as the more high-profile prospect. With a sharp grasp of the playbook and efficient decision-making, Gabriel saw time with the starters and made the most of his reps.
Sanders, by comparison, was limited in high-level opportunities during OTAs. And though he showed flashes of talent, he struggled to find rhythm and consistency in the same way Gabriel did.
That early discrepancy has ignited speculation: is Gabriel quietly climbing the depth chart? Or is this simply a product of spring hype?
Veteran presence vs Rookie upside
The answer may not come easily-especially in a quarterback room already housing two veterans with very different strengths. Joe Flacco, the 40-year-old former Super Bowl MVP, is viewed by many as the most reliable option for Week 1.
Danny Kanell and other analysts argue that coaches often lean toward the safest pair of hands when the pressure mounts, and Flacco’s playoff resume makes him hard to bet against.
Kenny Pickett is also in the mix, looking to rebound from his stint in Pittsburgh. But Gabriel has started to draw meaningful attention from those beyond the Browns’ front office. NFL analyst Mike Renner picked Gabriel-not Flacco-as his choice to start Week 1, pointing to the rookie’s historic experience in college football and mistake-free spring practices.
“The guy is experienced-more than any quarterback who’s ever come into the league,” Renner said, referencing Gabriel’s 46-17 college record and over 18,500 career passing yards.
“He may not have the highest ceiling, but he’s ready to play now.”
Yet not all analysts are convinced. Nick Collins from 92.3 The Fan dismissed Gabriel as a long-term backup, questioning the Browns’ decision to pass on other prospects like offensive lineman Charles Grant for what he sees as a low-ceiling quarterback. Collins predicted that in three years, Cleveland would regret choosing Gabriel at No. 94 overall.
Meanwhile, Shedeur Sanders-once seen as a potential future face of the franchise-has slipped down the pecking order. Despite moments of brilliance, he currently ranks fourth on the team’s unofficial depth chart. His social media response-“Time will tell”-has only fueled speculation about his future in Cleveland.
While the Browns are unlikely to carry four quarterbacks into the regular season, Gabriel’s strong spring has made that decision harder than expected. Whether he seizes a top-two spot or simply survives roster cuts, one thing is clear: the rookie from Oregon is no longer just a developmental prospect.
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