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Dillon Gabriel Has Clear Response After Controversial Shedeur Sanders Question

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | Last updated May 10, 2025 10:34 PM ET

Former standout Oregon Ducks quarterback Dillon Gabriel has a very real shot to play meaningful NFL snaps in his rookie season.

Having been drafted by the Cleveland Browns, Gabriel joins an unsteady quarterback room, led by Joe Flacco and joined by Shedeur Sanders -- another notable rookie.

The Colorado product was *the* storyline of the draft, sliding to the No. 144 overall selection after being projected in the first round.

Gabriel, who was superb in Eugene with the Ducks, was drafted by the Browns No. 94 overall -- as the two signal-caller approach is certainly an odd one for Cleveland.

Regardless, the Oregon product was selected before Sanders, and the two will likely have an equal chance at earning the starting gig for the Browns under center.

With rookie minicamp underway -- with most draft picks across the league inking their initial NFL contracts -- Gabriel and Sanders are getting their first chance to show what they can do for the Browns.

With the competition underway between Flacco, Sanders, Gabriel -- and even Kenny Pickett -- the former Ducks quarterback was asked whether or not having Sanders alongside him was a distraction.

"The more questions I get asked like that just divides the team," Gabriel explained.

Gabriel took the high road, as the former Oregon standout was a veteran at the college football level, and seems to have translated his leadership to the pro level.

In one season with Oregon, Gabriel threw for 3,857 yards while completing 73% of his passes, scoring 30 touchdowns. He led the Ducks to a 13-1 record and an exit in the College Football Playoffs.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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