Dillon Gabriel may have been a late-round draft pick, but that doesn’t mean his story is destined to end there
With a logjam at quarterback in Cleveland and a reportedly strong interest from Miami, a trade could offer Gabriel a clearer path to development and future playing time.
In a league where quarterback depth is invaluable, Gabriel represents a low-risk, high-upside gamble — the kind that savvy franchises like the Dolphins often take.
If Benkert’s projection comes true, Gabriel might soon find himself learning behind Tua Tagovailoa in South Florida, with a real opportunity to make a name for himself in the NFL.
The Browns’ quarterback situation remains wide open. While media buzz favors Shedeur Sanders, analysts like Tony Grossi and insiders like Mary Kay Cabot present two sides of the same coin — one that highlights potential and progress, and another that urges balance in coverage and evaluation.
Whether it’s Shedeur Sanders dazzling the fanbase or Dillon Gabriel quietly carving out a role, the Browns’ quarterback room is filled with both talent and tension. The next few weeks of camp and preseason games will tell the tale.
One thing is certain: this quarterback race is far from over, and every throw, rep, and headline will matter.
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Table of Contents
Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel: The Browns’ Quarterback Conundrum in 2024
The Cleveland Browns made waves in the 2024 NFL Draft by acquiring two notable quarterbacks: Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel.1
The move sparked immediate intrigue across the league, especially considering the crowded quarterback room that already includes veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett.
Both Sanders and Gabriel are talented, hungry, and eager to prove themselves, but as training camp intensifies, questions remain: Who will emerge as the Browns’ starter? And is media attention playing favorites?
Cleeeeeevveeeelannddddddd…. It’s love pic.twitter.com/WMRmoyjAbq
— Dillon Gabriel (@_dillongabriel_) May 16, 2025
Draft Day Decisions: Breaking Down the Picks
The Browns surprised many fans by drafting Dillon Gabriel in the third round, ahead of Shedeur Sanders, who was taken with the 144th overall pick.
Gabriel, the former Oklahoma quarterback, brings experience, accuracy, and leadership. His resume includes over 14,000 passing yards and 125 touchdowns in college.
Sanders, the son of NFL Hall of Famer and Colorado coach Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders, had an outstanding career at Jackson State and Colorado, showing poise and elite pocket presence.
Despite falling deeper in the draft than anticipated, Shedeur’s name carried weight due to his lineage and media visibility.
Dillon Gabriel: Quarterback Battle Heats Up in Cleveland
With training camp underway, the battle for the Browns’ QB1 position is one of the most intriguing storylines of the NFL offseason.2
Head coach Kevin Stefanski has been tight-lipped about who will take the first snap of the regular season, fueling speculation among fans and analysts alike.
Shedeur Sanders has been steadily gaining ground, showcasing a calm demeanor and intelligent decision-making. His footwork and timing have caught the eyes of coaches.
On the other hand, Dillon Gabriel has quietly impressed during his reps, throwing tight spirals and commanding the offense with confidence.
According to Tony Grossi of ESPN Cleveland, both players are doing well, but Sanders is dominating the headlines.
“This is more the false hysteria that’s being created,” Grossi said. “He’s doing fine, but so is Dillon Gabriel. And you talk about spinning the ball — no one out there spins it as well as Gabriel.”
Veteran Presence: Flacco and Pickett in the Mix
The rookie duo isn’t alone in their battle for the Browns’ quarterback position. Veteran Joe Flacco, who led a mini-resurgence for the Browns late last season, is back and looking to extend his career. His deep-ball accuracy and playoff experience are valuable assets.
Kenny Pickett, formerly of the Pittsburgh Steelers, is another factor. Though his stint with the Steelers was inconsistent, he brings youth and familiarity with the AFC North.
The presence of Flacco and Pickett makes this quarterback competition even more complex. Stefanski must weigh the long-term upside of Sanders or Gabriel against the immediate reliability that Flacco and Pickett provide.
Media Spotlight: Is Shedeur Sanders Being Overhyped?
Chad Johnson, the former Bengals wideout and co-host of the “Nightcap” show, has shown public support for Shedeur Sanders.
However, Grossi took issue with Johnson for not acknowledging Dillon Gabriel’s performance. “You don’t hear him saying anything about Gabriel,” Grossi added.
The media’s fascination with Shedeur isn’t unwarranted — his confidence, media-savvy background, and status as Coach Prime’s son make him an intriguing storyline. But the attention risks overshadowing other deserving candidates, especially Gabriel, who has quietly outperformed expectations.
Grossi’s comments underscore the importance of separating hype from actual performance in camp. While Sanders is clearly progressing, Gabriel deserves equal recognition for his steady play and polished mechanics.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Sanders vs. Gabriel
Shedeur Sanders
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Strengths: Calm pocket presence, accuracy, quick release, football IQ.
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Weaknesses: Not as mobile as other rookies, has faced media pressure since high school.
Dillon Gabriel
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Strengths: Experience, deep-ball accuracy, clean mechanics, consistency.
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Weaknesses: Slightly undersized, less nationally recognized despite college success.
It’s a classic matchup between the player with the bigger name and the one with the more traditional quarterbacking tools. While Shedeur may dazzle in interviews and social media, Gabriel’s focus and execution could quietly win over the coaching staff.
Dillon Gabriel’s NFL Future: Could a Trade to the Dolphins Be in the Cards?
Former Green Bay Packers quarterback Kurt Benkert recently sparked a buzz around rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel’s future.3
In a tweet on June 10, Benkert stated, “I wouldn’t be shocked to see the #Dolphins trade for #Browns QB Dillon Gabriel at the end of preseason.”
According to Benkert, the Miami Dolphins were very high on Gabriel leading up to the draft and even considered selecting him before the Browns swooped in. This assertion adds intrigue to what was already a crowded quarterback situation in Cleveland.
Gabriel, a dynamic and athletic playmaker out of Oregon, was a surprising late-round selection by the Browns.
While his draft slot may not scream “immediate impact,” Benkert’s comments suggest there is real demand for his services elsewhere — particularly in Miami, where his skill set might be a more natural fit.
Miami’s QB Depth Chart: A Mixed Bag of Experience and Youth
The Dolphins are in a transitional period with their quarterback group. Tua Tagovailoa remains the starter, and while he had a healthy 2023 campaign, injury concerns have clouded his long-term durability.
Zach Wilson, the former No. 2 overall pick, was acquired from the Jets in a low-risk move, but he’s more of a reclamation project than a proven backup.
Miami also selected Quinn Ewers late in the 2024 draft and signed Brett Gabbert as an undrafted free agent. Both are talented, but raw.
Ewers, known for his cannon arm and high school pedigree, hasn’t shown the consistency needed to be a primary backup. Gabbert, on the other hand, brings leadership and grit but lacks the tools of a top-tier NFL quarterback.
Gabriel, if traded to the Dolphins, could settle in as a developmental option who bridges the gap between Tagovailoa and the younger prospects.
Dillon Gabriel’s College Credentials: More Than Just Hype
Gabriel isn’t just another late-round quarterback. The former Oklahoma and Oregon standout boasts a decorated college career that spans multiple programs and offensive systems.
His time at UCF and Oklahoma displayed his arm talent, field vision, and ability to extend plays with his legs. At Oregon, he polished his decision-making and showed that he could manage a complex, fast-paced offense.
Across five college seasons, Gabriel threw for over 14,000 yards and 125 touchdowns, while adding mobility and flair to his game. He played in high-pressure situations, led game-winning drives, and maintained a high touchdown-to-interception ratio.
For teams like the Dolphins, who value versatility and high-IQ players, Gabriel’s background makes him a compelling developmental option.
The Browns’ Quarterback Depth: A Crowded Room
In Cleveland, Gabriel faces an uphill battle. The Browns already have Deshaun Watson locked in as the starter.
Behind Watson are veterans like Jameis Winston and promising young quarterbacks such as Dorian Thompson-Robinson.
With limited preseason reps to go around and multiple quarterbacks competing for the backup role, Gabriel’s path to making the 53-man roster is narrow.
If Gabriel doesn’t secure a primary backup role or land on the practice squad, the Browns may choose to trade him while his value is still intact. A team like the Dolphins, who had eyes on him during the draft, could jump at the opportunity to acquire him.
Why Dillon Gabriel Could Fit in Mike McDaniel’s Offense?
The Dolphins’ head coach, Mike McDaniel, is known for his creative, motion-heavy offensive schemes that prioritize timing, quick decision-making, and mobility from the quarterback.
Gabriel checks several of those boxes. He’s smart with the football, understands how to read defenses, and can deliver accurate throws on the move.
What sets Gabriel apart is his ability to handle multiple types of offensive systems. Whether it was tempo-based spread attacks at UCF or pro-style concepts at Oregon, Gabriel adjusted and thrived.
This adaptability would help him digest McDaniel’s complex playbook and develop under the guidance of experienced offensive minds.
Could Gabriel Be a Successor or Trade Bait?
If the Dolphins were to acquire Gabriel, his role would initially be as a developmental piece. But depending on how the seasons play out — especially considering Tagovailoa’s contract situation and health — Gabriel could be more than just a long-term backup.
He could evolve into a potential successor if the Dolphins decide to pivot from Tagovailoa in the future.
Even if that scenario doesn’t unfold, having a young, mobile quarterback with upside on a cheap rookie contract gives Miami leverage.
In a few years, if Gabriel develops well during preseason and practice reps, the Dolphins could flip him to another team in need of a backup or spot starter — maximizing the value of a low-cost investment.
Dillon Gabriel: Training Room
Dillon Gabriel went back to Mililani High School to open the Gabriel Family Training Room Powered by Echelon.
View this post on Instagram
Evaluating the Trade Probability: Is It Realistic?
Trading for a rookie quarterback after just one preseason may sound speculative, but it’s far from unprecedented.
Teams that miss out on their draft targets often circle back via trade. If the Dolphins were truly interested in Gabriel, as Benkert claims, it wouldn’t be shocking for them to offer a late-round pick or a conditional draft asset in exchange.
This is especially true if the Browns decide that their top three quarterback spots are locked in and don’t want to risk exposing Gabriel to waivers. A trade to a team like Miami, where he has a shot at development, would be mutually beneficial.
How Gabriel Can Maximize His Opportunity, Wherever It Comes
No matter where Gabriel lands, his NFL success will depend on his work ethic and adaptability.
Preseason games will be crucial for him to showcase poise, quick processing, and leadership in huddle situations.
Coaches will evaluate how he commands the offense, handles adversity, and adjusts mid-drive.
Gabriel has consistently shown growth throughout his college career. Each transfer or scheme change was met with maturity and improvement. That trend must continue in the NFL, whether he’s wearing brown and orange or aqua and orange.
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