Shedeur Sanders made a name for himself in college football, setting records at Jackson State and Colorado. But despite his big numbers and four years of experience, it turns out he might not be as ready for the NFL as some expected, at least not in the eyes of the Cleveland Browns.
According to reports from The Orange and Brown Report, Dillon Gabriel has taken the lead over Sanders in the Browns’ quarterback depth chart. Analysts Pete Smith and Lane Adkins say Gabriel’s edge comes from a mix of experience, practice reps, and, most importantly, how well he throws and processes the game.
Gabriel, who played at UCF, Oklahoma, and Oregon, has shown strong decision-making and poise. He’s praised for being quick at reading defenses, understanding different offensive systems, and avoiding mistakes. His ability to break down plays and react on the spot has really impressed the Browns’ coaching staff, even as a rookie.
Smith put it simply: Gabriel just looks more ready. He’s seen tougher defenses, played in multiple systems, and shown he can handle mental and physical pressure better than Sanders at this stage.
While both players faced strong competition in college, Gabriel in the Big Ten and Sanders in the Pac-12, the difference may not be about who played tougher teams. Instead, it seems to be about mindset. Reports say Gabriel has come into the league eager to learn and stay humble. Sanders, on the other hand, reportedly came off as a bit overconfident during pre-draft meetings.
It’s still early in their NFL journeys, but for now, the Browns see Gabriel as the better fit for the QB1 role. If Sanders wants to catch up, it may take more than just on-field skills; it might require a shift in how he approaches the game, too.