Report: Dillon Gabriel ahead of Shedeur Sanders in Cleveland Browns QB battle

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Former Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel has been dazzling for Cleveland Browns in practices according to a report from Cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot from earlier this week.

Gabriel led the Ducks to one of their most successful seasons in program history, with a 13-0 record, Big Ten Championship title, and an appearance in the Rose Bowl. He was drafted in the third round by the Cleveland Browns, who also went on to draft Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders. Ever since the draft, Cleveland’s quarterback battle has been the center of much controversy in the NFL off-season.

They have four choices when it comes to the quarterback position next season: former Eagles QB Kenny Pickett, rookie Dillon Gabriel, veteran Joe Flacco, and rookie Shedeur Sanders. However, it appears that they have chosen to give Gabriel some first-team reps with Sanders trailing him at this point.

Cabot wrote on Tuesday for Cleveland.com, “In terms of their batting order in team drills, it will likely be Pickett and Gabriel No. 1 and No. 2, and then Flacco and Sanders splitting the No. 3 and No. 4 reps at the outset.”

There has been a wide range of thoughts and comments on Cleveland’s rookie camp. However, Gabriel has yet to be signed by the Browns whereas Sanders just agreed to a four-year, $4.6 million contract.

Cabot also added, “The rookies performed extremely well in rookie minicamp, with Gabriel — who went first in all 11-on-11s, 7-on-7s and red zone drills — mastering the presnap operations quickly.”

Cleveland will have a tough road ahead this season, opening with two AFC North rivals, the Bengals and Ravens, and then face three consecutive NFC North playoff teams (Packers, Lions, and Vikings).

They need to be ready to start the season strong, and that means the quarterback lineup will be key to the team’s success.