The Cleveland Browns made an interesting move in the 2025 NFL draft by selecting quarterback Dillon Gabriel in the third round. Gabriel, known for his success in college and high pre-draft projections, seemed like a solid pick at the time. However, the Browns surprised everyone by selecting another quarterback, Shedeur Sanders from the Colorado Buffaloes, just two rounds later. It’s uncommon for an NFL team to draft two high-profile quarterbacks in the same class.
As training camp kicked off, college football insider Tom Izzo shared his thoughts on Sanders’ chances while praising Gabriel. According to Izzo, the Browns are likely to give Gabriel a shot sooner than later, with Kenny Pickett also in the mix. However, he expressed skepticism about Sanders’ readiness, noting that the team didn’t let him face the first team during practice. Despite this, Izzo believed that Sanders deserved a fair chance to prove himself.
In Izzo’s view, the Browns’ quarterback hierarchy consists of Pickett, Gabriel, Flacco, and Sanders. Alongside Gabriel and Sanders, the team also has veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett vying for the starting role in the absence of the injured Deshaun Watson.
Currently, on the ESPN depth chart, Gabriel is listed as the third-string quarterback behind Flacco and Pickett, with Sanders at the fourth spot. Flacco, a seasoned player with 17 seasons under his belt, boasts a Super Bowl win and MVP title from his time with the Baltimore Ravens. Pickett, a Super Bowl winner in a backup role, was part of the Philadelphia Eagles’ championship-winning squad.
For Gabriel and Sanders, the rookie quarterbacks, the challenge is to secure a spot on the active roster and potentially contend for the starting role by Week 1. With training camp and preseason games ahead, they have the opportunity to showcase their skills and make a case for themselves.
Overall, the Browns’ quarterback situation is intriguing, with a mix of experience and youth vying for the starting role. It will be interesting to see how the competition unfolds and who ultimately earns the starting quarterback position for the upcoming season.
