The Cleveland Browns open training camp on July 18 and feature perhaps the most unique quarterback competition in the NFL. The fact that the Browns have four quarterbacks is often repeated because it’s so unusual, but the reality is this: either Joe Flacco or Kenny Pickett is likely to start. However, Dillon Gabriel is currently seeing more reps than fellow rookie Shedeur Sanders.
What Edge Does Gillon Gabriel Have in Cleveland?
According to Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com, Gabriel has one key edge over the rest of the competition: his brain.
“His superpower in the competition is his computer-like processing speed and decision-making, and it’s where he can get a leg up in the competition,” Cabot wrote.
Gabriel may not have the name recognition of other rookies, but his college production speaks for itself. In his final season with Oregon, he completed 72.9% of his passes (the second-best mark in school history) while throwing for 3,857 yards (275.5 per game), 30 touchdowns, and just six interceptions, resulting in a 164.9 passer rating.
Gabriel helped lead Oregon to a major win over Ohio State during the regular season in Eugene, Oregon, although the Ducks later lost to the Buckeyes in the College Football Playoff semifinal at the Rose Bowl. In that game, Gabriel still impressed, completing 29 of 41 passes for 299 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions despite constant pressure.
He finished the 2024 season as a first-team All-American, Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year, and Quarterback of the Year, and placed third in Heisman voting.
Gabriel is frequently compared to Russell Wilson, another former third-round pick. Both entered the league as proven winners with the ability to distribute the ball like point guards, but each was docked in draft evaluations due to height concerns, despite strong leadership skills.
An undersized but well-built athlete, Gabriel has solid mobility. He’s capable of gaining yardage on designed runs and running effective RPOs. He also brings extensive big-game experience and boasts excellent accuracy on short-to-intermediate throws.
Thanks to his compact, quick release, Gabriel thrives in a rhythm-based offense, making him a great fit for a timing-and-distribution scheme. The Browns are at their best when the offense flows through the run game, so leaning on Jerome Ford and rookie Quinshon Judkins could be key.
If that’s the direction head coach Kevin Stefanski wants to take, there just might be an opening for Gabriel to take the reins, sooner rather than later.
