Why former player believes in Dillon Gabriel ahead of first start

Cleveland Browns quarterback Dillon Gabriel. Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Why former player believes in Browns QB Dillon Gabriel ahead of first start

By Colby Colwell | Last updated Oct 3, 2025 2:53 PM ET

After a 1-3 start to the NFL season and a league-high eight turnovers from veteran quarterback Joe Flacco, the Cleveland Browns are turning to third-round draft pick Dillon Gabriel ahead of Sunday's game against the Minnesota Vikings (2-2) in London.

Although he has handled numerous criticisms from the NFL Draft and into training camp, the 24-year-old is confident ahead of his NFL debut, saying he has "always been ready."

On Friday's edition of "Get Up," ESPN analyst and former wide receiver Harry Douglas was asked if he sees Gabriel being able to hold onto the job throughout the season.

Harry Douglas expects great things from Dillon Gabriel

"I do. Number 1, I love the simple fact that the Cleveland Browns made this change," Douglas said. "They looked over at the New York Giants and said man, that young quarterback Jaxson Dart brings a different energy, a different aura to this organization. Let us make a quarterback change. Dillon Gabriel, he throws with anticipation, he understands the offense, has a great grasp of what (head coach) Kevin Stefanski wants to do. And at the same time, this young man played six years of collegiate football. He understands the game at a high level, he's very cerebral. I believe in Dillon Gabriel that he's gonna be able to get it done for the Cleveland Browns this weekend across the pond."

.@HDouglas83 believes Dillon Gabriel can keep his starting spot at QB for the Browns ✍️ pic.twitter.com/nAb6pjRYDf
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) October 3, 2025

Gabriel is as experienced as any QB making his first career start. Throughout his decorated collegiate career, Gabriel appeared in 64 games across six seasons for Central Florida, Oklahoma and Oregon, amassing an FBS-record 155 passing TDs.

What he lacks in stature (5-foot-11, 205 pounds), Gabriel makes up for with experience and has already received high remarks from Flacco, who is taking on more of a leadership role with the rookie QB as the team's backup, ahead of QB3 and fifth-round draft pick Shedeur Sanders.

Much like Dart, who made his first start against a vaunted Los Angeles Chargers defense that allows the fourth-fewest points per game (17.8 PPG), Gabriel will be tested against a Vikings squad that is ninth in points allowed (20 PPG) and third in passing defense (151.5 YPG).

That will certainly be a challenge, but considering the lack of explosiveness and the giveaways from this offense thus far, a change was imminent. Now that the decision has been made, Gabriel will look to provide a spark to a Browns franchise in desperate need of one.

Colby Colwell

Colby Colwell is a freelance contributor with a bachelor’s in Computer & Information Technology and a minor in Psychology from Western Kentucky University. With a deep passion for sports, especially NASCAR, he offers his substantial knowledge along with his adept writing skills. When he’s not writing, Colby enjoys traveling, cooking, and spending time with his family

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