Browns Rookie Minicamp: Gabriel and Sanders Debut Amid Quarterback Uncertainty
The Cleveland Browns’ rookie minicamp kicked off Friday, offering the first glimpse of rookie quarterbacks Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders in action. Both signal-callers are entering a complex and uncertain quarterback situation in Cleveland, adding intrigue to their initial performances.
Gabriel, selected in the third round of the recent NFL Draft, and Sanders, a fifth-round pick whose draft position was lower than many analysts predicted, took the field eager to impress. Gabriel had the distinction of receiving the first snaps during the opening practice session. However, Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski was quick to downplay any significance attached to this initial allocation of reps.
"Yeah, I wouldn’t look into anything," Stefanski stated, emphasizing the long-term evaluation process that lies ahead. He suggested that the allocation of snaps would likely fluctuate throughout the weekend and into the spring practices. "I mean, we don’t pay too close attention to who’s in that first snap."
Stefanski did offer a general assessment of the rookies’ performance, noting that he believed "both guys did a nice job." However, he stopped short of committing to any specific rotation or order for Saturday’s practice, further reinforcing the notion that the team is taking a measured and deliberate approach to evaluating its new quarterbacks.
The head coach reiterated his caution against reading too much into the initial snap distribution, stressing that the team has a well-defined plan for assessing all quarterbacks on the roster. "There’s a lot of time between now and September, so we’ll have a plan," Stefanski said. He underscored that the quarterback evaluation is "an all-encompassing" process, extending beyond mere performance during practice repetitions. "There’s a lot that goes into it," he added, suggesting that factors such as film study, understanding of the playbook, leadership qualities, and overall fit within the team’s culture will all contribute to the ultimate decision.
The Browns’ quarterback room is currently crowded, featuring five players vying for playing time, with no clear-cut favorite to start Week 1 of the regular season. The uncertainty stems primarily from the injury status of Deshaun Watson, who ruptured his Achilles tendon in January. This setback followed a previous surgery on the same tendon in October 2024, casting considerable doubt on his availability for the upcoming season.
Adding to the quarterback mix, the Browns acquired Kenny Pickett in a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles. Pickett, a former first-round pick, brings experience and a degree of pedigree to the competition, but his performance in Philadelphia was inconsistent.
Veteran quarterback Joe Flacco, who enjoyed a brief but successful stint with the Browns late last season, was signed to a one-year contract. Flacco provided a spark to the Browns’ offense, leading the team to the playoffs. His proven ability to quickly learn the offense and make accurate throws makes him a viable option, especially in light of Watson’s injury.
With the addition of Gabriel and Sanders, the competition for the starting quarterback job has intensified. The diverse skill sets and experience levels of the quarterbacks on the roster creates a fascinating dynamic, raising questions about who will ultimately emerge as the Browns’ Week 1 starter.
The Browns’ coaching staff faces a significant challenge in managing this crowded quarterback room and effectively evaluating each player’s potential. The coaching staff will have to determine which quarterback is the best fit for the Browns’ offensive scheme and has the leadership qualities to guide the team.
The performances of Gabriel and Sanders during the rookie minicamp and throughout the offseason program will be closely scrutinized. The coaching staff will look for signs of progress, such as their ability to grasp the complexities of the Browns’ offense, make accurate throws under pressure, and demonstrate poise and decision-making skills.
While Stefanski cautioned against drawing conclusions based solely on initial practice reps, the rookie minicamp provides an important opportunity for Gabriel and Sanders to begin their development within the Browns’ system.
The competition among the quarterbacks promises to be a key storyline leading up to the start of the regular season. The Browns will be hoping that one of the quarterbacks emerges as the clear frontrunner. It remains to be seen how the Browns will navigate this quarterback situation and who will ultimately earn the opportunity to lead the team onto the field in Week 1. Browns fans will closely monitor the progress of all five quarterbacks throughout the offseason, hoping that the team can find a reliable and effective leader to guide the offense.
