The Cleveland Browns find themselves in the midst of a highly scrutinized quarterback battle between rookies Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel – a matchup that has captivated media attention thanks to its intriguing backstory.
Both Sanders and Gabriel boast impressive college careers, having been standout quarterbacks over several seasons.
In particular, their 2024 performances placed them among the most talked-about players at the position, with Sanders leading Colorado and Gabriel starring at Oregon.
Despite strong projections from draft experts anticipating Sanders to be selected in the first round, neither quarterback was taken as high as expected.
Gabriel was picked by the Browns late in the third round, while Sanders slid into the fifth round – a surprising twist for many followers of the draft.
With these draft positions, neither quarterback commands a hefty salary, nor do either have a guaranteed starting role as the Browns undergo a rebuilding phase.
Cleveland already has a crowded quarterback room featuring veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett. (No need to even mention Deshaun Watson.)
While Pickett is currently viewed as the favorite to win the starting job, much of the focus in Cleveland is firmly set on Sanders.
Sandersā unexpected draft slide coupled with his national profile, along with Gabrielās reputation and the surprise selection by the Browns, have fueled ongoing media interest.
Coverage has remained intense throughout rookie minicamp and early team workouts, a spotlight that shows no signs of fading until the Browns make official decisions about their quarterback depth chart.
Even after naming a starter, the rivalry between Sanders and Gabriel is expected to remain a focal point throughout the season and potentially beyond, as long as both remain teammates.
In a recent conversation with SportsCastingās DJ Siddiqi, Sanders shared his thoughts on his relationship with Gabriel, emphasizing mutual respect amid the competition.
āEverythingās been cool,” Sanders said. āHeās a cool person. I like how he handles situations, especially just the negative media thatās coming his way. Iām just happy heās positive, heās able to handle everything. Weāre truly cool.”
As the Browns prepare to finalize their quarterback room, the dynamic between Sanders and Gabriel will undoubtedly continue to attract attention, making their competition one of the more compelling stories to follow as we near training camp.
While it would be a major surprise if Sanders wins the starting job, we all know that he’s going to command plenty of attention from media and fans alike.
What do you think the future holds for Sanders? … Will he rise to the top of the depth chart and end up taking meaningful snaps for the Browns this season???
