Indeed, the Cleveland Browns’ quarterback room is one of the more fascinating storylines heading into the 2025 NFL season. After a rocky and injury-plagued 2024 campaign that exposed depth issues at quarterback, the front office made a bold move by selecting two quarterbacks in the 2025 NFL Draft
Shedeur Sanders – The Face of the Future
Drafting Sanders—likely in the first or second round—signals that the Browns see him as a potential franchise quarterback. Known for his poise, accuracy, and football IQ, Sanders thrived under pressure at Colorado despite a shaky offensive line. His NFL pedigree (being Deion Sanders’ son) adds media spotlight, but it’s his mature pocket presence and leadership that give him a real shot to win the starting job, either now or in the near future.
Dillon Gabriel – The Dual-Threat Wildcard
Gabriel, a left-handed quarterback with a prolific college career (most recently at Oregon), brings a different flavor. He’s a bit undersized, but he’s quick, experienced, and throws a great deep ball. The Browns might envision him as a high-upside developmental QB or even a gadget package option early on.
The Deshaun Watson Factor
Watson remains under contract, and the Browns have invested heavily in him. But with his injuries and inconsistency since arriving in Cleveland, there’s real uncertainty about his long-term viability. Drafting two QBs indicates that Cleveland is preparing for life after Watson—or at least creating competition to push him.
Kevin Stefanski’s Scheme
The Browns’ head coach favors a system that balances timing-based throws with play-action and zone-read elements. Sanders fits this mold well, while Gabriel offers even more mobility, possibly expanding the playbook.
Roster Implications
Carrying three quarterbacks (including Watson) into the regular season is likely, but the team could use Gabriel in a Taysom Hill-style role, or keep him as a developmental prospect on the practice squad. Either way, competition will be fierce.
Bottom Line
The Browns aren’t just building depth—they’re potentially setting the stage for a quarterback succession plan. With Shedeur Sanders possibly being groomed as the long-term starter and Dillon Gabriel adding a dynamic element to the room, this is a storyline worth watching throughout training camp and into the regular season.
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