Introduction
As the Cleveland Browns juggle a crowded and unpredictable quarterback room in the early 2025 preseason, two rookies—Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders—stand out amid veteran competition. Gabriel’s NFL debut and collegiate pedigree are turning heads, while Sanders’ dazzling early performance and subsequent injury add fuel to the debate. Let’s break down their numbers, implications for the Browns, and what comes next.
1. Dillon Gabriel: College Legend & NFL Debut
College Career Highlights
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Dillon Gabriel enjoyed a prolific college career across UCF, Oklahoma, and Oregon, finishing with approximately 18,722 passing yards and 155 touchdowns, ranking second all-time in Division I football.
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He was also a model of efficiency: around 65% completion rate, 13.7 yards per completion, 153 TDs to 32 INTs, and 1,209 rushing yards.
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He shattered records, becoming only the fourth QB to surpass 16,000 career passing yards, and broke Division I marks for most games and production.
2025 NFL Preseason Debut
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Gabriel was drafted in the third round (94th overall) by the Browns.
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In his first NFL action vs. the Eagles, he completed 13 of 18 passes for 143 yards, but suffered a pick-six and a fumbled handoff.
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Despite the miscues, he displayed poise, fitting passes to receivers like Cedric Tillman and leading situations including a two-minute drill.
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Head coach Kevin Stefanski highlighted Gabriel’s poise under pressure during this opportunity. Dillon Gabriel stats today.
2. Shedeur Sanders: A Spectacular (and Short-Lived) First Impression
College & Background
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Son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, Shedeur was a decorated college QB—winning awards like the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm, Deacon Jones Trophy, and Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year during stints at Jackson State and Colorado.
Preseason Impact
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Though drafted later (5th round, 144th overall), Sanders made a splash: 14-of-23 for 138 yards, 2 TDs, no turnovers, and 19 rushing yards in a 30–10 win over the Panthers.
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This sparked excitement among fans and pundits—framed as the start of “Shedeur mania”.
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Yet, in a surprising twist, he remains fourth on the Browns’ QB depth chart, behind Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, and Dillon Gabriel.
Injury Setback
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Sanders sustained an oblique injury during practice, sidelining him for the next game and dampening his momentum.
3. The QB Landscape in Cleveland: A High-Stakes Battle
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The Browns face a messy QB scenario: veterans Flacco and Pickett, along with Dillon Gabriel, Shedeur Sanders, Tyler Huntley, and even Deshaun Watson are all in the mix.
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Flacco appears to be the early Week 1 starter, while the rest continue vying for backup roles.
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Sanders’ injury now gives Gabriel more reps and visibility, but the competition remains fluid.
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A Browns TV series “Man Under Center” is providing fans an inside look at this unfolding drama. Dillon Gabriel stats today.
4. What This Means for the Rams Near Term
| Player | Status & Outlook |
|---|---|
| Dillon Gabriel | Strong college resume, debut showed flashes, now a prime contender due to Sanders’ injury. |
| Shedeur Sanders | High ceiling, impressive debut, but injury hampers momentum; questions remain about his place. |
| Joe Flacco | Likely starter, veteran presence. |
| Others (Pickett/Huntley/Watson) | Depth and potential wildcards depending on roster moves. |
The QB hierarchy remains unstable, and the Browns may use late preseason games to finalize decisions. Dillon Gabriel stats today.
FAQs
Q1: Who had a better preseason debut—Gabriel or Sanders?
A: Sanders’ debut was more efficient and flashy (2 TDs, no turnovers), while Gabriel’s was mixed—promising but marred by mistakes.
Q2: How many college passing yards does Gabriel have?
A: Around 18,722 yards and 155 touchdowns, placing him second all-time in Division I history.
Q3: What exactly is Sanders’ injury?
A: An oblique injury sustained during practice, which knocked him out of the second preseason game.
Q4: Who’s currently ahead in the Browns’ QB depth chart?
A: Joe Flacco is slotted as QB1; behind him are Pickett, then Dillon Gabriel, with Sanders currently fourth due to the injury and recent decisions.
Q5: What’s next for both rookies?
A: Gabriel will look to maintain momentum with more reps and cut down mistakes. Sanders needs to recover quickly and regain his earlier momentum. The final preseason game vs. Rams (August 23) is a critical audition for both.
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