The Cleveland Browns did not enter the 2025 NFL draft expecting to draft two rookie quarterbacks. However, they selected Dillon Gabriel in the third round and backed up that pick with Shedeur Sanders in the fifth round.
Heading into training camp and preseason action, the Browns will have five total quarterbacks on the roster. Joining Gabriel and Sanders will be Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, and Deshaun Watson. Cleveland will have plenty of options.
While drafting two quarterback can sometimes irritate the first selection, Gabriel has no problem with Sanders. In fact, he sent out a three-word message that shows he's excited for the competition with his fellow rookie.
As shared by NFL analyst Andrew Siciliano, Gabriel shared his reaction to the Browns' decision to draft Sanders after him.
“I love it," he said.
Gabriel was not projected to be a third-round pick. Simply having the opportunity to compete for the starting job is more than enough for him. Sanders, on the other hand, was projected to be a first or second-round pick before sliding all the way to the fifth round.
During the 2024 college football season with Oregon, Gabriel had a big year. He completed 72.9% of his pass attempts for 3,857 yards, 30 touchdowns, and six interceptions. Gabriel also picked up 149 yards and seven touchdowns.
Sanders had an even bigger season, completing 74% of his pass attempts for 4,134 yards, 37 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions, while scoring four more touchdowns on the ground.
Cleveland insider Brad Stainbrook offered a day one rookie minicamp update on the two quarterbacks, stating that Sanders looked better to begin the competition.
"Yes, it’s just the first day of rookie minicamp — but Shedeur Sanders looked sharper than Dillon Gabriel," he wrote. "This is only the beginning. The competition is real, and it’s going to be one of the stories of the season."
