Browns QB Dillon Gabriel Under Fire Amid Camp Struggles
Dillon Gabriel isn’t making the strongest case in his bid to climb the Cleveland Browns’ quarterback depth chart.
The third-round rookie has gotten a significant share of reps in training camp, often ahead of fellow rookie Shedeur Sanders, especially while Kenny Pickett nurses a hamstring injury. But according to insiders, Gabriel has looked shaky at best.
“To say Gabriel has had an up-and-down camp would be to ignore that he’s been wildly down and wildly inaccurate,” wrote Zac Jackson of The Athletic. “Gabriel has done nothing to make anyone believe he’s ready to be trusted as a No. 2 quarterback.”
The criticism didn’t stop there. Daryl Ruiter of 92.3 The Fan had even harsher words:
“I don’t know how to say this, but Dillon Gabriel shouldn’t be ahead of the ball boys,” he said bluntly. “They can’t be serious with this kid.”
Read More: Shedeur Sanders Faces Uphill Battle in Browns’ QB Competition
A Series of Fighting Chances
Still, injuries and soreness have given Gabriel an opportunity. With Pickett limited and Sanders skipping team drills due to arm soreness, all eyes turned to Gabriel. Even Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski acknowledged that Gabriel is learning under fire.
“There are times you’re going to go through a tough period at practice… a tough 7-on-7, a tough team period,” Stefanski said. “And then you really try to learn from those reps.”
Despite the bumpy ride, the Browns front office still wants to see what their young quarterbacks can do in live action. Team owner Jimmy Haslam made that clear.
“Absolutely,” Haslam said, when asked if the rookies will get game time. “Kevin knows how important quarterback is, and he and Andrew [Berry] talk about it daily.”
While Joe Flacco remains the likely Week 1 starter, the Browns have decisions to make. With two first-round picks in next year’s draft, the pressure is on to evaluate whether Gabriel or Sanders could be a long-term answer under center.
Your All-Access Pass to Scores, Highlights & Breaking Sports News — Follow The Quick Report on MSN.
