One well-known NFL analyst has spoken about the Cleveland Browns QB battle, and why he feels Dillion Gabriel eclipsed Shedeur Sanders in reps at rookie minicamp. Sanders might want to cover his ears, though.
After adding both Gabriel and Sanders in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Browns and their crowded quarterback room have been the topic of much debate. And with Sanders drawing attention both in the facility and out of it, some of the other prospects, like Gabriel, have been less discussed.
Dillon Gabriel Gets More Reps Than Shedeur Sanders
This morning, however, NFL analyst Field Yates changed the narrative a bit with his takes on ESPN Cleveland. Yates spoke about both rookies gearing up to battle for a starting job, listing Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, and, of course, Gabriel, as competition for Sanders. And while most expect a veteran to land the starting role, Yates noted an interesting development from mini-camp.
At the top of the discussion, the analyst spoke on several reasons why he believes that Gabriel took the bulk of the reps at mini-camp. He explained that of the two rookies, there’s a real chance that Gabriel has shown a bit more promise.
Specifically, Yates said, “I’m not surprised that Dillon ends up with the most reps for this reason: Joe Flacco,” continuing to explain that there is little difference between a quarterback’s one thousandth practice and their one thousand and first. “It’s diminished returns, even if it’s a [new] system.”
When flipping the page to the rookies, Yates expressed how these are two rookie players who were drafted “nearly two full rounds apart,” and how nothing has happened in the last two months to change how they stack up against each other.
Speaking on Gabriel, Yates specifically stated, “I believe that Dillon Gabriel is the quarterback the Browns think has the better chance of the two rookies to eventually become either a part-time starter or an excellent, excellent number two quarterback.”
Looking into the future, he added, “I would be surprised if he’s a full-time starter just because there’s not a lot of third-round picks that become full-time starters.”
By all accounts, it seems Yates feels that, even though his eventual role might be relegated to the second-string, the Browns ultimately have more faith in Gabriel’s ability to play well into the future, thus having been given more reps at mini-camp. But that only creates more questions than it answers.
Who Will Be Browns QB Week 1?
On the chances that either Gabriel or Sanders starts Week 1, Yates made his feelings particularly clear. He stated, “In order for a rookie to start Week 1, that player is going to have to be head and shoulders, unequivocally, way better than the other three.” The analyst continued to explain not only the consequences of starting a rookie on the field, but also in the public eye.
Of course, the public backlash will be relentless should either Sanders or Dillon win the job and fail to meet expectations. In the meantime, we’ll just have to wait and watch to find out how the battles unfold at training camp.
