The Cleveland Browns’ quarterback room is full of competition, intrigue, and now, thanks to a viral social media post, conversation about height. As rookies Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel battle for positioning behind veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett, their skill sets are under the microscope — and so is their stature.
A simple snapshot from practice has sparked online debate and renewed focus on how quarterback size impacts performance and perception in today’s NFL.
Shedeur Sanders vs. Dillon Gabriel: Viral X Post Highlights Size Gap in Cleveland Browns QB Battle
Sanders and Gabriel entered the league on very different paths. Sanders, a former Heisman contender and Second-Team All-American at Colorado, fell to the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft despite early first-round projections. Gabriel, following a standout season at Oregon, was selected earlier in the third round. Their draft positions surprised many, but now that they are on the field together, other contrasts are catching attention — literally.
On June 6, Colorado Buffalos content creator Ossacin’s Ducktail posted a side-by-side still shot of Sanders and Gabriel on X, writing: “This size difference between Shedeur and Dillon is wild. For context Shedeur measured in at the NFL Combine at 6’1½” and Dillon Gabriel magically measured in at 5’11”. I’m convinced Dillon had a prosthetic heel made for under his socks that day.”
The post garnered over 28,000 views and, as intended, sparked debate.
This size difference between Shedeur and Dillon is wild. For context Shedeur measured in at the NFL Combine at 6’1½” and Dillon Gabriel magically measured in at 5’11”. I’m convinced Dillon had a prosthetic heel made for under his socks that day. 🧦😂 #NFL pic.twitter.com/8Kms80OsFO
— Ossacin’s Ducktail (@OssacinDucktail) June 6, 2025
Both quarterbacks fall on the shorter end of the NFL height spectrum. For comparison, the league’s tallest starters include Los Angeles Chargers signal-caller Justin Herbert and Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence, both at 6’6″. Meanwhile, the shortest starters are Arizona Cardinals veteran Kyler Murray and Carolina Panthers third-year quarterback Bryce Young, both listed at 5’10”.
Though the 3.5-inch gap between Sanders and Gabriel might seem minor on paper, height can affect passing windows, vision over the line, and durability.
Browns analyst Fred Greetham also noted the startling difference after watching Sanders and Gabriel at practice.
#Browns Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel side by side pic.twitter.com/eJljAqXuQq
— Fred Greetham (@FredGreetham9) May 28, 2025
NFL writer John Frascella shared a practice video from Cleveland.com Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot, observing, “Dillon Gabriel, whose height has been an issue for scouts from the jump, is getting passes batted down already … leaving that door wide open for Shedeur Sanders.”
Dillon Gabriel, whose height has been an issue for scouts from the jump, is getting passes batted down already… leaving that door wide open for Shedeur Sanders
pic.twitter.com/tCnfZRMMCa— John Frascella (Football) (@NFLFrascella) May 29, 2025
Yet, on-field performance matters most. According to Cabot, Gabriel’s pre-snap command stood out during rookie minicamp, helped by his NCAA record 63 starts across three programs. He showed crisp footwork and quick decision-making. Sanders, meanwhile, impressed post-snap with big plays and red zone success, flashing superior deep ball spin and keeping interceptions off the board.
While Cabot noted that Gabriel was slightly more consistent, Sanders produced more of a “wow” factor and may have the higher ceiling. Both showed poise under center and at the podium, an underrated aspect in a Browns QB room where leadership is at a premium.
The size narrative, while fun fodder online, won’t dictate who climbs the depth chart. Cabot projects Gabriel slightly ahead for now, with Sanders making a strong push. NFL analyst LeSean McCoy recently claimed on “The Facility” that Sanders will surpass Gabriel quickly, calling the Browns’ decision to draft both QBs puzzling but suggesting Sanders offers more long-term potential.
With the Browns facing a brutal early schedule and depth chart questions lingering, every rep will count. For now, the viral height comparison has only added another layer to one of the NFL’s most fascinating quarterback competitions this offseason.