- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 475,132
- Reaction score
- 45
The Cleveland Browns used their third-round pick (No. 94 overall) on Dillon Gabriel, an experienced six-year collegiate quarterback best known for his record-setting tenure at UCF, only to double down days later by trading up to select Shedeur Sanders in the fifth round, leaving the fans in shock.
Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN writes, "The real shock for draft watchers came in the third round with the team's selection of Gabriel over Sanders. Gabriel, a six-year player in college who was named Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year, was viewed as a possible Day 3 option, according to ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr., but he was a player Berry and Stefanski said they coveted after several interactions with him during the draft cycle."
Cleveland Browns coach Kevin Stefanski© Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Gabriel, who led the Knights to a 10–3 record in 2019 and ranks sixth in UCF history with 7,223 passing yards, was long viewed as a developmental prospect despite his decorated résumé.
Yet, after Gabriel’s name was called in Round 3, Cleveland pivoted when Sanders, once projected as a potential first-round pick, slid to No. 144. General manager Andrew Berry admitted he didn’t expect to take two quarterbacks but seized what he perceived as “too much value” in adding Sanders.
"Gabriel was in a group of top prospects the team hosted on top-30 visits in early March." Oyefusi writes. "The cohort included Sanders, but Gabriel's inclusion was not reported at the time -- the team website only named Sanders, Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter and Colorado receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter -- and went under the radar."
"Cleveland's top decision-makers also traveled to Eugene, Oregon, for a private workout with Gabriel and got an up-close look at him during the Senior Bowl, as multiple Cleveland coaches participated in the all-star event." He added.
With Shedeur Sanders now in the mix, joining veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett, the Browns’ quarterback room is crowded and competitive. Sanders’ later selection, meant to maximize draft value, creates a compelling storyline.
Continue reading...
Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN writes, "The real shock for draft watchers came in the third round with the team's selection of Gabriel over Sanders. Gabriel, a six-year player in college who was named Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year, was viewed as a possible Day 3 option, according to ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr., but he was a player Berry and Stefanski said they coveted after several interactions with him during the draft cycle."
You must be registered for see images attach
Cleveland Browns coach Kevin Stefanski© Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Gabriel, who led the Knights to a 10–3 record in 2019 and ranks sixth in UCF history with 7,223 passing yards, was long viewed as a developmental prospect despite his decorated résumé.
Dawg Pound! Cleveland, are y'all ready? It's time to get to work… @Browns#NFLDraft
Perfect Timing️
Check out my 1st Panini Instant Rookie card @paniniamerica! #RatedRookie
https://t.co/hCwgoPAv44pic.twitter.com/5CB5yU6E9o
— Shedeur Sanders (@ShedeurSanders) May 1, 2025
Yet, after Gabriel’s name was called in Round 3, Cleveland pivoted when Sanders, once projected as a potential first-round pick, slid to No. 144. General manager Andrew Berry admitted he didn’t expect to take two quarterbacks but seized what he perceived as “too much value” in adding Sanders.
"Gabriel was in a group of top prospects the team hosted on top-30 visits in early March." Oyefusi writes. "The cohort included Sanders, but Gabriel's inclusion was not reported at the time -- the team website only named Sanders, Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter and Colorado receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter -- and went under the radar."
"Cleveland's top decision-makers also traveled to Eugene, Oregon, for a private workout with Gabriel and got an up-close look at him during the Senior Bowl, as multiple Cleveland coaches participated in the all-star event." He added.
With Shedeur Sanders now in the mix, joining veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett, the Browns’ quarterback room is crowded and competitive. Sanders’ later selection, meant to maximize draft value, creates a compelling storyline.
Continue reading...
