It isn’t a stretch to say the Cleveland Browns’ decision to draft Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft was the surprise of the event, especially considering Shedeur Sanders was still on the board.
Of course, the team would draft Sanders two rounds later, creating one of the most chaotic quarterback rooms in the NFL. The two rookies are joined by Super Bowl champion Joe Flacco, former Pro Bowler Tyler Huntley, and former first-round pick Kenny Pickett, and it’s currently unclear who exactly has the leg up in the competition.
Nevertheless, after Sanders dazzled spectators in the Browns’ first preseason game against the Carolina Panthers, Gabriel was given a chance to turn the tide in his favor against the Philadelphia Eagles. So, how did he perform in his first taste of NFL action?
Dillon Gabriel Impresses Despite Pick-6 in Browns Preseason Debut
Considering that this was Gabriel’s first taste of NFL action (against the defending Super Bowl champions), it’s hard to complain about how the rookie performed.
He completed 13 passes on 18 attempts, totaling 143 yards. He also rushed twice for one yard, showing off some quality movement skills, especially considering he’s been dealing with a hamstring injury in recent weeks.
However, he did take a couple of sacks against a ferocious defensive front, and his “highlight” of the game may have come in the form of the pick-six he tossed to Eagles safety Andrew Mukuba.
Rookie on rookie pick 6. Dillon Gabriel was dealing until this. pic.twitter.com/7YtMTG3m57
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) August 16, 2025
For what it’s worth, former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III came to Gabriel’s defense on the play, suggesting that tight end Blake Whiteheart ran his route poorly and could have done a better job at fighting for the ball in the air.
This pick-6 goes on Dillon Gabriel’s stats, but it’s really on the TE. WHEN THE BALL IS IN THE AIR, IT’S YOUR BALL. Never wait for someone else to make a catch that you can.
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) August 16, 2025
Like Sanders last week, Gabriel was relieved by Tyler Huntley for the second half, perhaps suggesting the former Baltimore Ravens signal-caller could be making a surprising push for a roster spot in Cleveland.
Regardless, the competition everyone is paying attention to is now Gabriel versus Sanders after both rookies impressed in their debuts. Last week against the Panthers, Sanders completed 14 of his 23 passes for 138 yards and two touchdowns, while adding 19 yards on the ground on four attempts.
Assuming that a lone interception doesn’t hurt his stock too much, Gabriel mostly played Sanders to a deadlock in his first appearance. Whichever one of the rookies gets more playing time in the Browns’ preseason finale against the Rams next week could emerge as the favorite to be the QB3 in Cleveland, as both Flacco and Pickett are still considered ahead on the depth chart.
