Shedeur Sanders has expressed admiration for fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel, as they both gear up to vie for a spot on the Cleveland Browns roster.
The Browns made waves last month by trading up to snag Sanders – who has already suffered a setback in Cleveland – in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, ending his unexpected fall despite being one of the top quarterback prospects. Even after drafting Gabriel in the third round, the Browns brought in Sanders, joining a packed quarterback group that includes Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, and an injured Deshaun Watson.
The rookies are now set to challenge each other and Pickett, a former first-round pick, to secure a place on the team, with Flacco anticipated to be the starter come Week 1.
Despite the competition, Sanders maintains there’s no animosity with Gabriel, commending his approach and affirming they’re learning from each other.
“Everything’s been cool,” Sanders remarked to SportsCasting.com. “He’s a cool person. I like how he handles situations, especially just the negative media that’s coming his way.
“I’m just happy he’s positive, he’s able to handle everything. We’re truly cool.”
Sanders’ sentiments reflect Gabriel’s post-draft feelings. The ex-Oregon standout relished the chance to compete with Sanders, believing it offers mutual learning opportunities.
Browns beat reporter Zac Jackson recently weighed in on the early comparison between rookies Sanders and Gabriel during a podcast appearance on the ‘Ultimate Cleveland Sports Show,’ noting Sanders’ superior ball-throwing skills at this stage.
Jackson remarked: “It’s just throwing the ball, and it’s not close: it’s Shedeur Sanders. It’s not close. But let me counter that by saying this is rookie minicamp. No pads, no full-speed competition, nobody coming to knock you down.”
He added: “We’re staying in here, they’re out on the field. They break the huddle from team stretch and team jog, and they go both go pick up the ball and throw it. It’s no question it’s Shedeur Sanders.”
Despite being a fifth-round pick, Sanders’ impressive college stats, including 4,134 yards and 37 touchdowns with a 74.2 percent completion rate, earned him the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award and the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year award, showcasing his exceptional talent.
Gabriel also had a noteworthy college career, surpassing 15,000 passing yards and being a Heisman Trophy finalist alongside top talents like Cam Ward, Ashton Jeanty, and winner Travis Hunter.
The unfolding quarterback battle for the Browns, one of the most captivating narratives of the NFL offseason, is certainly something to keep an eye on.
