- NFL. Miami Dolphins: Two players Mike McDaniel needs to resurrect the team
- NFL. Shedeur Sanders rising aura begins cutting through the air among Browns teammates in the locker room
Days go by and the Cleveland Browns still haven't decided who will be the team's QB1.
With 2024 starter Deshaun Watson still recovering from his Achilles injury, the Browns will have to choose between four candidates to fill the position.
During the 2025 NFL Draft, the team selected Dillon Gabriel with the 94th pick and fifty spots later, Shedeur Sanders at 144th, ed by veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett.
Rookies, Gabriel and Sanders
Although Cleveland has not yet announced its official QB1, if the team decides to give the younger players a chance, the competition for the position is in the hands of newcomers Gabriel and Sanders.
On the one hand, the former Oregon led the Ducks to a flawless 13-0 season, reaching the Rose Bowl and finished third in Heisman Trophy voting last season, throwing for 3,857 yards and 30 touchdowns. He was also picked well ahead of Shedeur during the Draft.
However, Sanders was ranked No. 8 for the Heisman Trophy, and produced 4,134 yards and 37 touchdowns as he and Travis Hunter inspired Colorado Buffaloes to reach the Alamo Bowl.
Rookie projection
During the team's rookie camp, they left the team and their coach happy with their performances. However, ESPN's Mike Clay believes it will be Gabriel who will ultimately put up better numbers this season than his teammate.
The analyst projected a top 5 of QBs who will achieve better numbers during their rookie season, placing Tennessee Titans' Cam Ward at the top of the podium with 3,392 yards, 20 TDs (15 starts).
In second place, Tyler Shough, New Orleans Saints with 3,020 yards, 13 TDs (13 starts) and in third place, Jaxson Dart, New Orleans Saints with 3,392 yards, 13 TDs (13 starts).
In fourth and fifth place, Mike Clay projects Dillon Gabriel to reach 1,205 yards, 5 touchdowns (5 starts), while Shedeur Sanders, 925 yards and one touchdown less than his teammate (4 starts) during this rookie season. Will Clay's projection come true?