Dillon Gabriel already sees benefits of competing with Shedeur Sanders: ‘I love it’

Dillon Gabriel already sees benefits of competing with Shedeur Sanders: ‘I love it’

The Browns’ higher-drafted, lower-profile rookie quarterback is embracing the compeтιтion with Shedeur Sanders.

Dillon Gabriel, a third-round pick who was taken 60 slots before Sanders in the NFL draft, said he sees the chance to go through things for the first time alongside Sanders in rookie minicamp as a benefit and not as two rookies competing for the upper hand.   

The Browns have the NFL’s most crowded quarterback room, including veterans Deshaun Watson (potentially out for the season), Kenny Pickett and Joe Flacco.

Cleveland Browns тιԍнт end Brenden Bates (82) and quarterback Dillon Gabriel (5) take a break during the NFL football team’s rookie minicamp in Berea, Ohio, Saturday, May 10, 2025. AP

“I love it,” Gabriel told reporters before Saturday’s practice. “I love it because of who it is. I think just for us both, you can learn from one another, but also it’s not just us two in the room. For right now it is, but going into the year – Kenny, Joe and even Deshaun –  just a bunch of guys who played a bunch of ball that we can all learn from one another.”

Anyone who thought that the Oregon product Gabriel, who finished third in the Heisman Trophy vote, was going to resent all the attention that Sanders commands was wrong.

Sanders, the son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, has his own camera crew, and his fall from the first round to the fifth was one of the draft’s biggest storylines.

“Yeah, I mean for me, life of simplicity is a life full of focus,” Gabriel said. “Life of complexity comes with life with distractions. But for me, I’m focused. I’m simple. I know what I want to accomplish.”

Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) watches during the NFL football team’s rookie minicamp in Berea, Ohio on Saturday, May 10, 2025. AP

It’s going to be easy for the outside world to pit the two former Pac-12 rivals against each other on a day-to-day basis.

Who had the better practice? Who threw the better deep ball? Who are teammates responding to better?

How will Gabriel handle that scrutiny?

Cleveland Browns quarterback Dillon Gabriel (5) pᴀsses during the NFL football team’s rookie minicamp in Berea, Ohio, Saturday, May 10, 2025. AP

“The more questions I get asked like that, it just divides the team,” Gabriel said. “We know how important a healthy QB room is. Also, a team that you want to be a part of. How do you create an environment every single day where everyone can be at their best? That’s just pushing one another, which talent naturally does. Naturally, it’s healthy. We all go do our thing, and everyone wins.”

Sanders also is taking the “it’s me versus me” approach and not trying to measure himself up to Gabriel.

Related Posts

Weary Tom Brady seen leaving Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez’s wedding after fueling Sydney Sweeney romance rumors

Weary Tom Brady seen leaving Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez’s wedding after fueling Sydney Sweeney romance rumors

Tom Brady was snapped leaving Venice after a glitzy weekend in Italy celebrating the wedding of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez. The NFL legend was one of…

NFL quarterback Zach Wilson marries partner Nicolette in beautiful New York wedding

NFL quarterback Zach Wilson marries partner Nicolette in beautiful New York wedding

NFL quarterback Zach Wilson and his partner Nicolette tied the knot on Saturday in a classy Manhattan wedding. Wilson, now a member of the Dolphins, began his…

EXCLUSIVEFrom homelessness to training Jalen Hurts and Patrick Mahomes… how Quincy Avery became the NFL’s quarterback guru

EXCLUSIVEFrom homelessness to training Jalen Hurts and Patrick Mahomes… how Quincy Avery became the NFL’s quarterback guru

Football jerseys line the walls where Quincy Avery sleeps. Just as they did nearly two decades ago, when he drove his Mustang out west to California. Avery…

NFL quarterback has to be held back by security after getting into ugly fight while coaching youth football game

NFL quarterback has to be held back by security after getting into ugly fight while coaching youth football game

Las Vegas Raiders starting quarterback Geno Smith had to be held back by security during an ugly fight while coaching a youth football game this weekend in…

Miami Dolphins’ billionaire owner Stephen Ross closes in on shock deal to expand his sports portfolio

Miami Dolphins’ billionaire owner Stephen Ross closes in on shock deal to expand his sports portfolio

Miami Dolphins majority owner Stephen Ross is digging into his pockets for a new venture as he reportedly is closing in on a roughly 45% stake of…

Kansas City Chiefs pay tribute to star player who died trying to save three children from drowning

Kansas City Chiefs pay tribute to star player who died trying to save three children from drowning

The Kansas City Chiefs have paid tribute to former team running back Joe Delaney, who pᴀssed away 42 years ago Sunday trying to save three children from…