The Ultimate QB Showdown: Why The Cleveland Browns Drafted Both Dillon Gabriel And Shedeur Sanders In The 2025 NFL Draft

The Cleveland Browns ignited one of the most compelling quarterback competitions in recent memory when they made the unprecedented decision to draft two high-profile signal-callers, Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders, in the 2025 NFL Draft. This bold, unconventional move by General Manager Andrew Berry and Head Coach Kevin Stefanski instantly created a must-watch storyline, especially given the team’s ongoing quest for long-term stability at the position. As of late 2025, the internal battle is heating up, with both rookies vying for a spot behind the established veterans. The dual-draft strategy—selecting Gabriel in the third round and Sanders in the fifth—was a clear signal that the organization is committed to finding a future franchise quarterback, even if it means generating an immediate logjam in the depth chart. The narrative has quickly shifted from draft speculation to a fierce training camp competition, with early reports suggesting a fascinating dynamic between the polished veteran-style passer and the electrifying, yet raw, prodigy.

The Cleveland Browns' 2025 Quarterback Rookies: A Tale of Two Bios

The 2025 NFL Draft brought two highly decorated college quarterbacks to the shores of Lake Erie, each with a unique collegiate journey, a Heisman pedigree, and a distinct skillset. Their paths to the Cleveland Browns were different, but their shared goal—to lead an NFL franchise—now puts them on a collision course.

Dillon Gabriel Biography & Profile

• Drafted: 3rd Round, 94th Overall (2025 NFL Draft)
• Position: Quarterback (QB)
• Height/Weight: 6-foot-0, 200 pounds
• Hometown: Mililani, Hawaii
• Collegiate Career: UCF Knights (2019-2021), Oklahoma Sooners (2022-2023), Oregon Ducks (2024)
• Notable College Stats: Finished his career as one of the most prolific passers in college football history, ranking in the top tier for passing yards and touchdowns. He was a Heisman Trophy finalist in 2024 (3rd in voting).
• Strengths: Highly polished, immediate fit for West Coast or Spread offense, excellent consistency and accuracy.

Shedeur Sanders Biography & Profile

• Drafted: 5th Round, 144th Overall (2025 NFL Draft)
• Position: Quarterback (QB)
• Height/Weight: N/A (Projected similar to Gabriel)
• Hometown: N/A (Son of NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders)
• Collegiate Career: Jackson State Tigers (2021-2022), Colorado Buffaloes (2023-2024)
• Notable College Stats: Finished a sensational career with over 1,200 completions. He was a Heisman Trophy finalist in 2024 (8th in voting) and won the Jerry Rice FCS National Freshman of the Year award in 2021.
• Strengths: Exceptional playmaking ability under pressure, natural pocket presence, and high ceiling due to his football lineage.

The Unprecedented Dual-QB Draft Strategy: Why Two Rookies?

The decision by the Cleveland Browns to select two quarterbacks in the same draft, especially given their current roster situation, was one of the biggest talking points of the 2025 NFL Draft. The move, spearheaded by General Manager Andrew Berry, was a calculated risk aimed at maximizing the team’s future options. The Browns' quarterback room for the 2025 season included established veterans like Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett. The presence of multiple experienced passers meant the rookies would not be forced into action too early, allowing them to develop at a proper pace. The rationale behind the dual pick boils down to three core principles:

1. Mitigating Risk and Maximizing Value

The NFL Draft is an inexact science, particularly at the quarterback position. By drafting two players with different profiles—Gabriel, the high-floor, polished passer, and Sanders, the high-ceiling, dynamic playmaker—the Browns doubled their chances of hitting on a future starter. The value proposition of getting a player of Sanders' caliber in the fifth round (No. 144) was too great to pass up, even after selecting Gabriel in the third (No. 94).

2. The "Must-See TV" Competition

The internal competition between the two rookies is designed to push both players to their absolute limits. Head Coach Kevin Stefanski is known for fostering a competitive environment, and the training camp battle has already drawn massive media and fan attention. The Browns even reportedly rejected multiple trade offers for Dillon Gabriel after drafting him, a clear sign of their commitment to developing both players simultaneously.

3. Defining the Long-Term Future

The Browns have cycled through numerous quarterbacks over the years. This strategy is a long-term play to finally solidify the position. The two rookies represent a new era, moving past the constant short-term fixes. The team’s brass, including Berry and Stefanski, had to publicly address the viral video reaction to the Sanders pick to emphasize that the move was fully intentional and part of a comprehensive plan.

Dillon Gabriel vs. Shedeur Sanders: Who is Winning the Training Camp Battle?

The current quarterback depth chart for the Cleveland Browns places veteran Joe Flacco at the top, with the rookie competition for the long-term backup and development slots heating up daily. Initial reports from rookie minicamp and training camp have painted a complex picture of the competition.

The Shedeur Sanders Surge

Despite being drafted two rounds later, Shedeur Sanders has reportedly made a significant early impact. Media reports from training camp suggest that Sanders has been "crushing" Dillon Gabriel's dreams in some practices, showcasing his dynamic ability to make special plays and extend opportunities under pressure. This early flash of potential has led to speculation that Sanders could quickly leap-frog Gabriel on the depth chart, potentially moving from QB4 to QB3 or higher faster than expected.

The Dillon Gabriel Consistency

Dillon Gabriel, meanwhile, offers a different, more refined approach. Scouting reports praise Gabriel as a highly polished passer who is "far more consistent with his landmarks" and extremely adept at finding escape routes in the pocket. His experience running complex offenses at Oklahoma and Oregon gives him a head start in understanding NFL concepts and managing the huddle. While Sanders may have the higher ceiling for spectacular plays, Gabriel provides the higher floor for immediate, reliable backup play.

The Verdict (So Far)

The competition is not a simple either/or scenario; it’s a marathon, not a sprint. The Browns are evaluating which player best fits the long-term vision of Kevin Stefanski's offense. * Gabriel's Role: He is currently viewed as the more NFL-ready, immediate backup option due to his consistency and technical refinement. * Sanders' Role: He is the high-upside project whose development is crucial. His ability to create outside the pocket is a trait the Browns' offense has lacked. The ultimate goal for the Cleveland Browns is to have one of these two young quarterbacks emerge as the successor to the current veteran group. The dual-draft of Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders ensures that the team has two viable, yet distinct, paths to achieving that stability, making the Browns’ quarterback room the most fascinating storyline of the 2025 NFL season.