Days go by and Cleveland Browns still hasn’t decided who of their five candidates will be the team’s QB1.
Their 20224 starter, Deshaun Watson, wants to recover from his Achilles injury and get back on the field. However, 40-year-old veterans Joe Flacco is fighting for a chance and 26-year-old Kenny Pickett wants to finally establish himself as the team’s quarterback. But they are not the only ones with dreams to fulfill.
After the 2025 NFL Draft, two members joined the Browns’ rosters: 24-year-old Dillon Gabriel with the 94th pick, and 23-year-old Shedeur Sanders at 144th.
Although Cleveland has yet to release its official QB1, Lennox Tate of Draft Buzz projects Gabriel as the team’s new QB1. Based on the Browns’ third-round pick (94th overall pick) pre-draft scouting report he compiled, Tate claims Dillon would be Kevin Stefanski’s near-obvious choice over rookie Shedeur Sanders.
Gabriel’s ability to process pre-snap information and manipulate defenders with his eyes stands out in ways that matter for Sunday football.
The former Oregon and Oklahoma has the experience of having played for these teams, knows how to adapt to different systems and plays, and is accurate and consistent. However, there is one small detail: his height.
While his 6’11” shouldn’t create problems or be a reason to disregard him, the final decision is up to the coach as Gabriel has proven that height doesn’t determine his performance. In fact, in his last and only year with Oregon he achieved a 72.95% pass completion rate.
Stefanski’s word
Speaking to ESPN this week, the coach made it clear that the Browns have no clear hierarchy and are not handing out quarterback reps equally, every day.
“I tell the players, don’t pay attention to where you are in line, because where you are on Tuesday, it may be different Wednesday,” Kevin said.
Also, in the talk, Stefanski revealed his approach: “The big thing for us is making sure we give the guys enough reps that they need. So, making sure that they have enough where both it’s twofold, both their learning system, they’re developing, and we’re evaluating them, we’re finding out more about them,” he said.
Also, with the 4-year, $160 million contract of defensive wing Myles Garrett, tight end David Njoku is expected to sign his contract extension.
Rookie numbers
On one hand, the former Oregon led the Ducks to a flawless 13-0 season, reaching the Rose Bowl and finished third in Heisman Trophy voting last season, throwing for 3,857 yards and 30 touchdowns. He was also picked well ahead of Shedeur during the Draft.
However, Sanders was ranked No. 8 for the Heisman Trophy, and produced 4,134 yards and 37 touchdowns as he and Travis Hunter inspired the Colorado Buffaloes to the Alamo Bowl.
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