It wasn’t so much about Dillon Gabriel’s selection as it was about who they didn’t select. Did the Browns make a mistake? That’s the question echoing across NFL circles after their unexpected move in the 2025 Draft—bringing in Shedeur Sanders after Gabriel. It caught many off guard, but the team would have had its own reasons. For instance, he has better arm strength, better pocket presence, and more experience. Just like Shedeur, he comes from a football background—his father was a Division 1 quarterback—but minus the flashiness.

Let us not forget that when he left UCF back in 2021, they were crushed. It pained the community to see such a good player leave, and that is pretty much the reason UCF Nation detests him. They supported him through his broken clavicle, but he left them for a bigger program. However, that very move turned him into a multi-millionaire and put him on the map. It is estimated he made $5 million through NIL advertising deals and further made sound business decisions, which witnessed his ascent in the competitive ladder. Yes, he started small. But today, he is competing with Shedeur Sanders, one of the most recognized rookies.

While they both have now donned the orange and white, their inclusion will come with a lot of competition. Will either of them have enough reps to adjust to the league and prove themselves? That’s the big question that many have, though Kevin Stefanski has confirmed it. The QB room is crowded with Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Deshaun Watson, and both rookies. So people can’t help but wonder how the HC will proceed. Amid all this, both Gabriel and Shedeur have been criticized for different aspects.

Sure, Shedeur has already received his fair share of criticism before and during the draft, but now a lot of that attention has shifted towards Gabriel. Some analysts simply do not see a good future with him because of the lack of size… But amidst these voices of criticism and scrutiny is a faint voice of Deion Jr, Shedeur’s elder brother, who is advocating for Dillon Gabriel as well. Bucky, in a recent video posted by seensatansports on YouTube, talked about the “hate” Gabriel was getting and urged people against it. “Show love to everybody, bro, stop causing division on that team, man. Everybody’s young dude trynna reach their goals, man, so show love to everybody, bro. Show love to the 1st round picks, show love to Gabriel. Don’t hate Gabriel, bro, love to my brother. You know I’m saying, you can support both of them, bro trynna reach his dreams too.” The message packs a punch.

Bucky, who is already known for his incredible exploits through his ‘WellOffMedia’ channel, is showing the fans that be the ‘big’ guy. Of course, both Shedeur and Gabriel are talented players in their own right. Gabriel’s heroics were incredible as he led Oregon to an undefeated regular season. He produced nearly 4,000 yards, that too in the Big 10. That’s not an easy feat, right? He will get about a $6.2 million rookie contract. As for Shedeur, he also has the talent to be the QB1. He proved himself by leading the Buffs to their first winning season since 2016. That being said, splitting reps between the four QBs would be challenging, and eventually, one has to bow down; that’s the harsh reality of things. But is there bigger news awaiting the rookies?

According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, there may be more strategy behind the Browns’ surprising draft picks than what meets the eye. He suggested that the HC will observe them for the next two or three months, watching closely to see who rises to the occasion. By August, depending on performance and fit, one of them—Gabriel or Shedeur—could be on the trade block. A potential trade scenario would only raise the competition further.

Regardless, Gabriel is currently focusing on things that are within his control.

Dillon Gabriel opts for ‘distractions’ verdict as Shedeur’s QB battle gets closer

If you think Gabriel is coming at Browns to go down without a fight, think twice. For now, however, we just saw both the QBs making the field today to work on the 7-on-7 drill. Gabriel, being the initially preferred QB over Shedeur, took the first snap later in the 11-on-11 period and would battle it out in the upcoming practices. The former Oregon signal caller, when asked about the competition at the QB spot, gave an interesting reply.

“I think questions like that divide the team,” The QB said ahead of the Browns’ minicamp. Then, when Gabriel was asked about Shedeur’s hype and if it affects him, he chose not to focus on ‘distractions’. “For me, you know, the life of simplicity is a life full of, you know, focus. Life of, you know, complexity comes with life of distractions. But for me, I’m focused, I’m simple, I know what I want to accomplish.”

But what did he think about the team drafting Shedeur Sanders after him? He stated: “I love it because of who it is. But also, it’s not just us two in the room, at least for right now it is…. Just a bunch of guys who played a bunch of ball that we can all learn from.” Gabriel’s message is simple: He’s ready for the fight, but it should be a fair one, without any mischievous mind games.

For now, HC Kevin Stefanski is observing both his rookies. After their first practice on Friday afternoon, he stated that they have spent time on walkthroughs, with their uniforms and helmets, and he is observing what the QBs can take from the meeting room and implement on the field. “And I thought both guys did a nice job.” All eyes are on the two QBs performing in the two-day mini camp organized from Saturday.

To balance reps among the four QBs in camp, the Browns have also signed 6 more wide receivers and two tight ends on tryout contracts. Now, can the deserving QB silence the noise with his play?