Power 4 coach voices discontent over selection of Dillon Gabriel by the Browns
In the world of NFL draft picks, the Cleveland Browns created a stir when they selected quarterback Shedeur Sanders in Round 5. And boy, Browns fans are thrilled about the move! Yet, the Browns faced criticism for passing over Dillon Gabriel in the third round, a pick that left Power 4 coaches scratching their heads.
Following the selection of Jalen Milroe at No. 92, many NFL enthusiasts anticipated the Browns would finally snap up Shedeur Sanders. But the Browns had other plans, opting for a different quarterback. They went for the left-handed prolific gunslinger, who hadn't been considered on the same level as Sanders, or even Will Howard as per espn.com.
A Power 4 defensive coordinator commented, "I don't see the evaluation of Gabriel over (Will) Howard." He added, "I'm not saying either of them is more talented than Sanders. But Will Howard's a better pro prospect than Gabriel with the size, arm strength, the passing tree that he had to throw at Ohio State."
The Curious Case of Dillon Gabriel
The question remains: why did the Browns return to Sanders in the fifth round after passing on Gabriel? Notable offensive players they could've picked instead include WR Tai Felton (Vikings), WR Chimere Dike (Titans), RB Bhayshul Tuten (Jaguars), RB Cam Skattebo (Giants), and WR Dont'e Thornton (Raiders).
By the time the Browns picked in Round 4, they went for running back Dylan Sampson. Not a bad choice, but they skipped over Tuten, Skattebo, Trevor Etienne (Panthers), Woody Marks (Texans), and Jarquez Hunter (Rams).
What jersey number will Shedeur Sanders don?
While the evaluation of Dillon Gabriel may leave some scratching their heads, reliable sources such as Dane Brugler of The Athletic called Sanders' selection his biggest surprise, according to nytimes.com.
Brugler praised Gabriel, saying, "He's a really smart player, and he's like a point guard in the way he operates, but he's undersized." Yet, Gabriel was the most impressive interview during the Senior Bowl and combine, putting his leadership skills on full display. The talent on the field is crucial, but how one operates off the field is what led to Gabriel being a Day 2 pick. We'll soon see how it plays out.
The QB depth chart for the Browns currently has DeShaun Watson at the top, despite a possible 2025 season absence. Joe Flacco is second string, followed by Kenny Pickett and, surprisingly, Gabriel. Sanders isn't listed on the Browns' depth chart yet.
It'll be fascinating to see who starts in Week 1 for the Browns. The 2025 NFL Draft is shaping up to be an intriguing cycle for quarterbacks, with Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel adding to the excitement.
(Note: Relevant details on Shedeur Sanders' and Dillon Gabriel's evaluations were incorporated to provide insight into their potential as quarterbacks.)
- The Cleveland Browns' selection of quarterback Shedeur Sanders in Round 5, despite passing over Dillon Gabriel in Round 3, has raised questions about their evaluation process.
- Dillon Gabriel, praised for his intelligence and leadership skills, was the most impressive interview during the Senior Bowl and combine, leading some to question why he wasn't picked higher.
- The Browns opted for quarterback Jalen Milroe at No. 92 instead of Sanders, sparking disappointment among NFL enthusiasts who anticipated his selection.
- Despite the controversy surrounding the QB draft picks, the 2025 NFL Draft is expected to be an intriguing cycle for quarterbacks, with Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel potentially adding to the excitement.
