When the Browns selected both Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders in the 2025 draft, observers expected fierce competition – and some internal friction.
Instead, two of Cleveland’s youngest quarterbacks have spearheaded an atmosphere of cooperation that’s turning heads inside the locker room.
Neither Dillon Gabriel nor Shedeur Sanders is shying away from the challenge of competing with veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett for the starting role.
But what’s standing out this summer is how often they lean on each other to learn, improve, and stay mentally sharp.
Helping each other develop
Myles Garrett, arguably the Browns’ most-respected player, was clear on what he’s seen from the rookies: “I’ve really seen that they help each other and they work together.”
He highlighted their willingness to make mistakes, to seek feedback, and to push one another to get better-qualities essential for any quarterback room to flourish. Garrett praised the pair for their growth mindsets amid what could otherwise become a cutthroat environment.
Veteran Joe Flacco echoed similar sentiments. Asked about working with Gabriel and Sanders, Flacco said: “It’s been a lot of fun. Those guys are good. They got a good head on their shoulders… there’s football going around, stories going around, it really has been a lot of fun.”
His remarks reflect a mentor-builder mentality, commending their eager approach to questions and feedback, even comparing it to his own rookie days.
This cooperative dynamic is notable given the external narrative that Cleveland’s rookie quarterbacks are sidelined in favor of more trusted veteran options. Despite being lower in the pecking order early in camp, the pair has embraced menial reps and humble beginnings to sharpen each other’s skills.
Their bond may well reflect how far their college careers diverged before this: Gabriel thrived at UCF, Oklahoma, and Oregon, racking up massive passing totals, while Sanders shined under his father’s coaching at Jackson State and Colorado.
Both were significant talents, and both earned their draft spots. Their mutual respect now fuels what could be a future foundation for Cleveland.
Stefanski biding his time
Coach Kevin Stefanski has confirmed he’s taking his time before naming a starter. Kenny Pickett took first-team reps earlier in camp, and Joe Flacco initially handled top snaps.
But recent injuries – Pickett suffered a hamstring issue – have opened up opportunities for both rookies to see their roles expand. In practice, both Gabriel and Sanders have now rotated into more meaningful reps in team drills.
Even as decisions loom, the feedback from leaders like Garrett and Flacco sends a clear message: this QB room isn’t fractured. It’s built on mutual accountability and shared ambition. And that could make the difference when training wheels come off in preseason action.
For Cleveland fans eager to see a franchise QB emerge, this synergy might be more promising than any headline-making rookie or veteran pivot. Gabriel and Sanders are turning competition into camaraderie – and in football, chemistry is often the best draft pick of all.
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