Kevin Stefanski Chooses Dillon Gabriel Over Shedeur Sanders
Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski expressed confidence in selecting Dillon Gabriel ahead of Shedeur Sanders for the 2025 NFL Draft. The Oregon graduate brings remarkable adaptability, consistent performance, and leadership across three college football programs. At the Combine, he stood out to interviewers despite concerns about his size, showcasing his engaging personality.
Shedeur Sanders Faces Challenges
In contrast, Shedeur Sanders, who was initially seen as a top-five prospect, struggled with leadership and interviews, leading to his drop to the 114th pick. Reports from Cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot pointed out his tendency to make “negative plays” during his last season at Colorado. However, during OTAs, Sanders shone, completing 7 of 9 passes for three touchdowns, while Gabriel had 11 of 16 completions for two touchdowns and an interception.
Experts Weigh In
Mike Renner voiced his support for Gabriel, considering him the most experienced quarterback entering Week 1, given his extensive college starts. He believes Gabriel may be ready, although some view him as underwhelming for a player with high expectations. Aditi Kinkhabwala shared insights on the Ultimate Cleveland Sports Show, emphasizing that she sees the quarterback competition as a two-man race between Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett, with the rookies still needing development.
Gabriel’s Prospects and Limitations
Gabriel stands out as a dynamic quarterback, having thrown nearly 18,000 passing yards in his college career. Nevertheless, his height—under 6 feet—remains a concern, complicating his chances of succeeding in the NFL, putting pressure on head coach Kevin Stefanski to make crucial decisions.
The Future of the Browns’ Quarterback Position
Despite the optimism surrounding the rookies, the team’s future may hinge on experienced players. Kinkhabwala argued against starting Gabriel or Sanders, as neither is ready to take on the pressures of the NFL; she stressed the need for proven talent for immediate success rather than risking losing games with inexperienced quarterbacks.
Trading Possibilities for Kenny Pickett
With the crowded quarterback situation, Pickett could be the odd man out, especially with Flacco and the rookie duo in contention. Browns’ radio analyst Nathan Zegura noted that Pickett, a former first-round pick, might be the most tradable option. The New Orleans Saints, with uncertainty around their quarterback situation, could be a potential landing spot for him.
Minicamp Performance and Future Decisions
During minicamps, Pickett’s completion rate was around 60.3%, while Gabriel had impressive stats. Though Kevin Stefanski hasn’t made a final decision yet, the team may soon be strategizing on its quarterback choices as the season approaches.
