Dillon Gabriel walked into Cleveland’s quarterback room carrying college accolades, NFL-level doubts, and a real shot to reshape the franchise’s future. Browns fans might be excited about the rookie’s upside, but one former NFL scout is already hitting the brakes hard.
What Are John Middlekauff’s Biggest Concerns About Dillon Gabriel?
On a recent episode of “3 and Out,” former scout and analyst John Middlekauff didn’t sugarcoat his thoughts on Gabriel’s transition to the pros. He acknowledged the rookie’s talent but made it clear where he sees major red flags.
“He can f***ing play,” Middlekauff said, crediting Gabriel’s résumé from UCF, Oklahoma, and Oregon, but then came the reality check. “There is a big difference between being a good college prospect and being an NFL quarterback.”
Middlekauff’s concerns dominated the size issue. He viewed Gabriel’s physical dimensions as a significant liability that would expose him to punishment at the professional level.
“He’s really small,” Middlekauff said. “I mean really small. 5’11, 205. I think he plays more like 190 pounds. He’s not a big-time athlete, right? So, he’s not really running around, you know, unless your offensive lineman is the Eagles, you’re going to be under siege in the NFL. And when you’re small, you get crushed.”
The numbers tell one story, but Middlekauff sees another. Gabriel’s listed measurements show 5’11”, 205 pounds, but Middlekauff described him as “really small” and estimated he “plays more like 190 pounds.” Even with 18,722 career passing yards and 155 touchdowns across six seasons, the scout remained skeptical: “He’s not a big-time athlete and he does not have a great arm.”
Beyond the physical limitations, Middlekauff questioned Cleveland’s draft strategy.
“I think in a normal draft, they would have taken him in the fourth or fifth round,” Middlekauff said, suggesting internal pressure from ownership may have pushed the pick higher. The buzz around Shedeur Sanders might have influenced the decision-making process.
How Does Gabriel Fit Into Cleveland’s Quarterback Competition?
Gabriel and Sanders, selected in the third and fifth rounds, respectively, are walking into a quarterback room that’s already crowded. Kenny Pickett and veteran Joe Flacco are both on the roster, and either could realistically start the season under center.
The Browns’ approach seems clear: let the veterans handle the early-season pressure while the rookies develop. However, if Cleveland’s playoff hopes crumble early, those late-season games could become crucial evaluation opportunities for Gabriel and Sanders.
But what happens if neither rookie shows franchise quarterback potential? Cleveland might already be looking ahead to 2026.
PFSN’s Mark Stolte recently projected Cleveland to select South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers with the No. 2 overall pick next spring. Sellers brings the dual-threat ability and cannon arm that Cleveland hasn’t had under center in years. He represents the kind of high-upside athlete that could change everything.
The timeline is tight, but the writing might be on the wall. Gabriel has a chance to rewrite his story, but the clock is ticking. If Middlekauff’s assessment proves accurate, Cleveland’s gamble on the Oregon product could be heading off course before it begins.
