Dillon Gabriel recalls reaction after Browns drafted Shedeur Sanders: 'I love it because of who it is'

In the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft, the Cleveland Browns selected Dillon Gabriel. Two rounds later, they took Shedeur Sanders with the No. 155 overall pick.

That means Cleveland will have two rookies in its quarterback room this offseason. As rookie minicamp gets underway, Gabriel recalled his reaction to Sanders’ selection – and why he was a fan of the choice.

Sanders and Gabriel are now working side by side during minicamp. In the early going, he sees things he can learn from the former Colorado star, and vice versa. As a result, the former Oregon standout said he’s excited for the relationship to grow.

“I love it. I love it because of who it is,” Gabriel told reporters Saturday. “I think just for us both, you can learn from one another.

“But also, it’s not just us two in the room – at least, for right now, it is. But going into the year, Kenny [Pickett], Joe [Flacco] and even Deshaun [Watson]. Just a bunch of guys who’ve played a bunch of ball, that we can al learn from one another.”

The Browns took Gabriel with the No. 94 overall pick after a decorated college career at UCF, Oklahoma and Oregon. He became the all-time leader in passing touchdowns, throwing for 155 during his six-year career. This past season at Oregon, he threw for a career-high 3,857 yards and 30 touchdowns to finish third in the Heisman Trophy voting.

More on the Browns’ QB plans with Dillon Gabriel, Shedeur Sanders

Two rounds later, Cleveland selected Sanders, who helped lead Colorado’s impressive turnaround in 2024. He led the nation with a 74% completion percentage as he totaled 4,134 passing yards and 37 touchdowns.

Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders join a suddenly crowded quarterback room after the Browns made multiple moves at quarterback this offseason. Joe Flacco signed a one-year contract, and Cleveland acquired Kenny Pickett in a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles. Deshaun Watson is also still on the roster, although he’s down with an injury.

With two rookies now looking to win a spot on the roster, it’s shaping up to be an even more interesting offseason at QB for the Browns. In fact, Fowler pointed out a trade could be in the cards, depending on how the preseason goes.

“The Browns got these four quarterbacks,” Fowler said. “They’re going to roll with that for the next two to three months to see how it shakes out. Shedeur Sanders will have every opportunity to make his impression and to make this team. The Browns also look at quarterbacks – like all positions – like currency, like value. They can trade one of these guys in August if they play well in the preseason.”