Rookie QB Battle Brewing in Cleveland
The Cleveland Browns quarterback room is loaded, but the focus ahead of training camp is shifting to the two rookies: Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. While veterans Kenny Pickett and Joe Flacco bring experience, former NFL wideout Cecil Shorts III believes it’s time to see what the future holds. And he’s not mincing words about who he prefers.
“Let them battle it out,” Shorts said on The Ultimate Cleveland Sports Show. “Choose one and ride with them… To me, Shedeur is way better than Dillon.”
Browns Backing Gabriel… For Now
Gabriel’s selection at No. 94 in the third round raised some eyebrows. Despite a record-setting college career—playing for UCF, Oklahoma, and Oregon—many analysts didn’t expect him to go that high. Browns GM Andrew Berry defended the pick, citing Gabriel’s “accuracy, poise, anticipation, and mobility.”
Gabriel’s 187 total touchdowns are an FBS record, but critics say his NFL ceiling is limited. Meanwhile, Cleveland drafted Shedeur Sanders 50 picks later, a move that’s already sparking a potential QB controversy.
Sanders hasn’t taken first-team reps yet, and NFL insider Albert Breer offered an explanation. “Shedeur had a lot more ground to cover than Dillon Gabriel,” Breer said, citing a steeper learning curve despite Sanders’ high-profile career at Colorado under Deion Sanders and Pat Shurmur.
Off the field, Sanders has also drawn scrutiny for two speeding citations since arriving in Cleveland. That hasn’t helped his case, but it hasn’t derailed his momentum either. His talent, composure, and upside are hard to ignore, especially for a fan base hungry for a long-term answer at quarterback.
Read More: Why Shedeur Sanders Hasn’t Taken First-Team Reps Yet with the Browns
Pressure Mounting Ahead of Camp
With training camp looming, the rookie QB debate is heating up. Gabriel may be ahead on paper, but Sanders’ raw ability and support from players and analysts alike make this a battle to watch closely.
If either can outshine Pickett and Flacco this summer, the Browns might be closer than expected to finding their future under center.
Read More: ‘I’m Not Here to Hold Your Hand’ Joe Flacco Snaps at Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel
