Dillon Gabriel Surges Ahead of Shedeur Sanders
The Cleveland Browns quarterback battle is heating up. But it’s not trending in favor of Shedeur Sanders. While the rookie has shown flashes of promise in training camp, he’s now reportedly trailing fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel in what insiders call a “clear order.”
According to Zac Jackson of The Athletic, the Browns appear to be giving Gabriel a third-round pick. And that’s more reps than Sanders, who was taken in the fifth. That draft status alone could explain some of the gap in opportunities. Still, Jackson notes that Sanders has made the “best throws” in multiple practice sessions — further demonstrating notable accuracy and poise under pressure.
Read More: Purdy Falls Short in Shedeur Sanders Comparison
But the Story Gets More Complicated
Sanders is reportedly dealing with shoulder soreness, which held him out of practice on Saturday. Though it’s not believed to be a serious injury, it comes at a terrible time as he battles to climb the depth chart. Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com pointed out the fact that the soreness was self-reported, possibly indicating that Sanders felt it serious enough not to push through a telling move in a heated competition.
Meanwhile, Gabriel hasn’t exactly run away with the job. Jackson described his recent performance as “wildly down” and “inaccurate,” raising doubts about his readiness even as a No. 2 quarterback. So far, neither rookie has solidified a strong case, but Gabriel is clearly being prioritized.
Sanders still has a chance to climb the ladder, especially if he performs well in the upcoming preseason and joint practices. The Browns aren’t rushing his development. But if he proves capable of handling pressure and off-schedule throws, he could be in line for late-season snaps.
For now, though, it’s Dillon Gabriel who’s in the driver’s seat at least on paper.
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