Cleveland Browns Explain Drafting 'Poised' Dillon Gabriel Over Shedeur Sanders

The Cleveland Browns drafted former Oregon Ducks quarterback Dillon Gabriel in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Many were surprised that Cleveland general manager Andrew Berry passed on quarterback Shedeur Sanders. Berry addressed the decision to draft Heisman Trophy finalist Gabriel, after the call.

Sanders, who was predicted to be a first round draft selection, was often linked to the Browns during the NFL pre-draft process. Cleveland had shown considerable interest in Sanders, interviewing him at the NFL Combine,͏ attending his pro day at͏ ͏Colorado, working him out privately and hosting him for a private dinner.

Apr 19, 2025; Boulder, CO, USA; Colorado Buffaloes former player Shedeur Sanders before the spring game at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images / Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

"You know what? I think it's unfair for me to comment, on behalf of the industry," said Berry about Sheduer's draft fall after the third round of the draft. "All I can say is this. The time that we spent with Shedeur and what he's done throughout his college career is impressive. He's an impressive young man. He's a really good quarterback. Sometimes fit comes into play."

"I'd also say this. There are four more rounds of the draft. And then maybe lastly, it's less about where you get picked and what you do after you get picked. That's really the most important thing. And getting to know him over the course of the spring, he has a ton of resolve. And I think he's going to find himself in a really good spot," Berry continued.

As Berry noted, Gabriel is a great fit for Cleveland. Cleveland coach Kevin Stefanski expects Gabriel to compete for the starting job along with 17-year veteran Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett.

Oregon Quarterback Dillon Gabriel celebrates a birthday before the Rose Bowl. / Chris Pietsch/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Gabriels has been compared to Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and former NFL quarterback and current New Orleans Saints coach Kellen Moore.

"Bottom line, he's a winner," said Mel Kiper when the Browns drafted him.

Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel throws out a pass during the Oregon football’s Pro Day Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at the Moshofsky Center in Eugene, Ore. / Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Sanders' NFL draft fall has surprised many as five quarterbacks (Cam Ward, Jaxson Dart, Tyler Shough, Jalen Milroe, and Dillon Gabriel) have been picked before the former Colorado Buffaloes star, who was rated as the second-best quarterback in the draft.

As the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft kicks off at 9 a.m. PT Saturday, April 26, Sanders posted on X.

"Thank you GOD for EVERYTHING," Sanders wrote.

For Gabriel, a new era begins in Cleveland.

Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel, left, and coach Dan Lanning embrace after defeating Maryland at Autzen Stadium. / Chris Pietsch/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The 5-11, 205-pound quarterback led the Ducks to a 13-1 overall record and a Big Ten Conference title in 2024. Gabriel finished 30 touchdowns plus six interceptions on 3,857 yards with a 72.9 completion rate. He also collected 149 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on 75 carries.

"Very accurate, very poised, throws with anticipation, good mobility," Berry said about Gabriel. "Really well rounded game. Doesn't have ideal height but that's not something we thought showed up in his game."

At 24 years old, Gabriel's experience jumps off the page. The Hawaiian native has an overall record of 46-17 with the UCF Golden Knights, Oklahoma Sooners, and Oregon from 2019-2024.

Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix, a former Oregon quarterback, left, and Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel, right, take a picture with Oregon offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Will Stein during the Oregon football’s Pro Day Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at the Moshofsky Center in Eugene, Ore. / Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Gabriel holds the NCAA record for most career touchdown passes (156) and is ranked second all-time in college football history in career passing yards (18,722).

Gabriel is a fan favorite and beloved by his teammates. Former Oregon receiver Tez Johnson explained that Gabriel is unlike any quarterback he's ever been around. In the locker room, when the team is goofing around and playing music, Gabriel likes to dance in the middle of the circle.

"You rarely see that as a quarterback," Johnson told Oregon Ducks on SI reporter Bri Amaranthus. "He's just a kid playing football."

Oregon coach Dan Lanning also raved about his former quarterback.

“This guy deserves every single thing that comes his way," Lanning said after winning the Big Ten Championship Game. "This team believes in him. They’re grateful every day that they get to step on the field with him. He’s about connection and people first, but the poise that he shows in big games is unmeasured. I haven’t been around players like Dillon. I’m really grateful I get to share the field with him.”