Dillon Gabriel: The Underdog Who Could Derail Shedeur Sanders' QB2 Dream

2025 third-round draft pick Dillon Gabriel became somewhat of a forgotten figure regarding the Cleveland Browns' quarterback competition after 2025 fifth-rounder Shedeur Sanders played well in Cleveland's preseason opener at the Carolina Panthers on Friday. 

Neither Gabriel nor presumed Cleveland backup Kenny Pickett played in the Carolina game as they worked to fully recover from hamstring injuries. However, Browns insider Tony Grossi of ESPN Cleveland/The Land on Demand suggested in a piece published Tuesday night that the team will give Gabriel opportunities to impress in joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles that will be held before those two teams meet for a preseason contest at Philadelphia's Lincoln Financial Field this coming Saturday.

"Inside the Browns' coaching and personnel offices, Gabriel is still considered a viable option to earn the QB2 role – pending Pickett’s health -- ahead of Sanders," Grossi wrote. "...If he is able to fully participate in the joint practices against the Eagles, Gabriel probably would get the start against the defending champions' second-team defense in the game on Saturday. If Gabriel does well, it doesn’t clinch anything. It likely would merely extend the backup competition into the [Los Angeles Rams'] week and perhaps beyond."

The Browns wrap up the preseason with a home game against the Rams on Aug. 23. 

Gabriel allegedly looked "awful" during multiple training-camp practices open to media members. That said, it was learned on Monday that he remains third on the club's unofficial depth chart ahead of Sanders. 

As of Wednesday morning, FanDuel Sportsbook continued to list veteran Joe Flacco as a -310 betting favorite to start for the Browns when they open the regular season with a home game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sept. 7. Pickett was second on the list at +360 odds to get the nod for the Cincinnati matchup at that time. 

Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski reportedly will not "be swayed by public opinion and the Sanders-mania that’s sweeping the nation" after Sanders completed 14-of-23 passes for 138 yards and two touchdowns in Cleveland's 30-10 win over Carolina. Regardless of how fans feel about the subject, it sounds like at least some within the Browns still view Gabriel as the top prospect in the Cleveland quarterback room this summer.