Rookie minicamp is officially underway for the Cleveland Browns and other NFL teams, with players reporting for their first taste of professional practice. Among the fresh faces on the field is Dillon Gabriel, the former Oregon Ducks quarterback, who took his initial snaps as a member of the Browns following the 2025 NFL Draft.
Despite leading his team to an undefeated regular season, Gabriel was selected in the third round of the draft, a position some pundits speculate could be attributed to his height. Standing at 5-foot-11, many believe that if he were closer to the 6-foot-3 mark typical of top quarterbacks, his draft journey would have unfolded quite differently, likely landing him in the first round.
However, one practice into his NFL career, Gabriel is keen to impress. Early reports showcase his promising accuracy as a thrower, including a noteworthy completion to rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr. in the back of the end zone. It’s clear that he’s not letting his height define him.
In the context of the 2025 quarterback class, Gabriel is being recognized as the Browns’ No. 2 passer, trailing only No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward. The team is pleased with Gabriel’s fall to the third round as it enabled them to bolster other areas of the roster while still securing a potential future star at quarterback.
Quarterback talk has dominated this draft cycle, particularly for Cleveland, which also made headlines by selecting former Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders in the fifth round. As the rookie minicamp progresses, a central question remains: how will the quarterbacks stack up against each other as the depth chart begins to take shape?
Gabriel notably received the first rep over Sanders on the first day of practice, igniting curiosity about what that could mean for his standing within a crowded quarterback room. With veterans like Kenny Pickett, Joe Flacco, and Deshaun Watson around, the competition is fierce, and the Browns’ coaching staff is committed to evaluating every passer in the lineup.
Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski downplayed the significance of the early reps, emphasizing, “I wouldn’t look into anything too closely. You’ll see the whole weekend, and we’re not too concerned with who’s in there first.”
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler highlighted the Browns’ optimism about Gabriel, stating they had targeted him leading up to the draft and had received whispers from other teams about their admiration for his playstyle. “He’s a smaller player, which affected his draft stock, but they love the way he plays the position,” Fowler said. “We’ll see if he can make a move here.”
Gabriel’s college resume speaks volumes about his capabilities: in 2024, he amassed 3,857 passing yards with 30 touchdowns and only six interceptions, finishing with a remarkable 72.9 completion percentage. On top of his passing prowess, he also contributed with 149 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns, showcasing his versatility and athleticism. Now, as he steps onto the NFL stage, Gabriel looks poised to prove that height is just a number and that potent passing and smart decision-making will always stand at the forefront of quarterback success.
