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Update emerges on Shedeur Sanders’ QB battle with Dillon Gabriel

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated May 18, 2025 4:25 PM ET

The early returns suggest Shedeur Sanders has plenty of work to do if he wants to win the Cleveland Browns’ starting quarterback job.

In an appearance on 850 ESPN Cleveland, longtime Browns reporter Tony Grossi shared his insights on the team’s rookie minicamp, specifically the competition between rookie quarterbacks Sanders and Dillon Gabriel. In Grossi’s impression, Gabriel edged out Sanders in the two days of work he saw.

“I thought Dillon Gabriel, both days, looked a little bit better,” Grossi said. “He throws a tight spiral, he throws a beautiful ball, he’s very assertive, he knows the pocket. You can tell that, even though they’re not rushing. He just has a pocket presence. Better arm strength, I thought.

“Doesn’t mean Shedeur Sanders is a bust or anything. Just, the other guy looked better.”

"I thought both days Dillon Gabriel looked a *little bit* better," – @TonyGrossi on Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. pic.twitter.com/NVSK8bgUWj
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) May 12, 2025

It does not sound like there was a huge difference between Gabriel and Sanders, but for two late-round draft picks, any differences are notable. One of these quarterbacks might have a chance to start as a rookie, so the Browns will undoubtedly be watching closely to see if one maintains a significant edge over the other.

Notably, some have disputed the characterization here, and only time will tell if one quarterback gains a clear edge over the other.

Joe Flacco is likely the favorite to start for the Browns in Week 1 unless someone else blows him away in camp. Gabriel has certainly shown the right attitude as he tries to establish himself ahead of Sanders going forward.

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

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