Three Cleveland Browns rookies that offer reasons for hope

In a season where the structure is likely to collapse, all we can do is look at the building blocks of the future. The Cleveland Browns offense was pitiful in a 41-17 blowout loss to Baltimore, but the offensive rookies showed promise.

Dylan Sampson was Week 1’s breakout rookie, as he mustered 93 yards from scrimmage. Sampson, who celebrated his birthday on Sunday, was held to just 19 total yards of offense and a touchdown grab. Despite Sampson’s drop in performance, the Browns rookie class had a strong showing in Baltimore. While nobody was happy with the blowout, it's time to look at whatever positives that are salvageable.

Keep an eye on these three Browns rookies who can give fans hope throughout this rebuilding season.

Dillon Gabriel

Dillon Gabriel was the first quarterback in NFL history to be the first QB taken off the board by his team but the least celebrated QB entering camp. Shedeur Sanders’ bedlam ensued in Cleveland and a camp injury to Gabriel made the Oregon product a near afterthought. Gabriel, who had an up and down preseason with more good than bad, was thrown into mop up duty against Baltimore with the game out of hand following Flacco’s second multi-turnover game in as many weeks.

Gabriel made the most of his opportunity, going 3-for-3 with 19 yards and his first career passing touchdown. Gabriel hit Jamari Thrash and Isaiah Bond for quick completions before laying a ball perfectly on Sampson for a touchdown to end the Browns’ final drive of the game. Flacco will start Week 3 vs. Green Bay barring unforeseen circumstances, but Gabriel’s solid first drive may hurry up his first professional start.