At the Cleveland Browns’ rookie minicamp, the quarterback competition between Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel has garnered significant attention. Despite Gabriel being a third-round pick and Sanders a fifth-round selection in the 2025 NFL Draft, both quarterbacks have shown promise and areas for improvement during the early stages of their professional careers.Bleacher
Early Impressions from Rookie Minicamp
On the first day of rookie minicamp, Shedeur Sanders made a notable impression. Observers highlighted his sharp passing skills and composure on the field. Browns insider Brad Stainbrook commented that Sanders looked “sharper” than Gabriel during drills, suggesting a strong start for the former Colorado quarterback . Sanders demonstrated his ability to deliver precise throws and showcased his work ethic by staying late after practice to work with receivers .SI+2The Times of India+2The Times of India+2Bleacher Report+6SI+6SI+6SI
Dillon Gabriel, on the other hand, displayed his strengths in arm strength and decisiveness. Analysts noted that Gabriel’s passes had more torque and that he was more assertive in his dropbacks compared to Sanders . Gabriel’s experience and poise were evident, aligning with his reputation from his collegiate career.SI+1Yardbarker+1
Coaching Perspectives
Head coach Kevin Stefanski emphasized that the order of reps during practice should not be overanalyzed. He stated, “I wouldn’t look into anything. You’ll see the whole weekend, going through the spring, we don’t pay too close attention to who’s in there first” . This approach indicates that the coaching staff is focusing on overall development rather than initial depth chart positions.SI+5Bleacher Report+5The Times of India+5
Comparative Analysis
When comparing the two quarterbacks:
Arm Strength: Gabriel exhibits superior arm strength, delivering passes with notable velocity.
Accuracy: Sanders holds a slight edge in accuracy, having led college football with a 73.4% completion rate, compared to Gabriel’s 72.3% .CBSSports.com
Pocket Presence: Gabriel demonstrates better pocket awareness and mobility, with a lower pressure-to-sack conversion ratio than Sanders.CBSSports.com
Decision-Making: Both quarterbacks are commendable in protecting the football, with low turnover-worthy play rates.CBSSports.com
Experience: Gabriel has more collegiate starts and dropbacks, providing him with a broader base of experience.CBSSports.com
Outlook
The competition between Sanders and Gabriel is expected to continue through the offseason. Both quarterbacks bring unique strengths to the table, and their development will be closely monitored by the Browns’ coaching staff. As the team progresses through OTAs and into the preseason, performance in practices and games will be critical in determining their roles on the roster.The US Sun
While early reports suggest Sanders made a strong initial impression, Gabriel’s consistency and experience cannot be overlooked. The Browns’ quarterback room remains competitive, and the coming months will be pivotal for both rookies as they vie for their positions on the team.