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The Unexpected Journey: 5 Reasons Dillon Gabriel's Rookie Year With The Cleveland Browns Is Must-Watch TV

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The Cleveland Browns' quarterback situation has become one of the most compelling storylines of the 2025 NFL season, largely due to the arrival of record-breaking college star Dillon Gabriel. As of late 2025, the rookie quarterback, selected in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft, is navigating an unexpectedly crowded and high-stakes QB room, creating a dynamic that has fans and analysts glued to every practice report and preseason snap.

The transition from a collegiate legend to an NFL backup is always challenging, but Gabriel’s journey is particularly fascinating. He signed a significant rookie contract and brings an FBS all-time total touchdown record to a franchise desperate for long-term stability under center. His current reality, however, involves competing for snaps and potentially spending his entire first year on the sidelines, a harsh reality check for a player with his pedigree.

Dillon Gabriel: Complete Player Profile and Biography

Dillon Gabriel arrives in Cleveland with one of the most prolific college football resumes in history. His journey from Hawaii to the NFL is marked by record-breaking consistency across multiple major programs.

  • Full Name: Dillon Gabriel
  • Born: December 28, 2000
  • Hometown: Mililani, Hawaii
  • High School: Mililani High School (Mililani, HI)
  • Height: 6 feet 0 inches (6'0")
  • Weight: 200 pounds
  • College Career: UCF Knights (2019-2021), Oklahoma Sooners (2022-2023), Oregon Ducks (2024)
  • NFL Draft: 2025, Round 3, Pick 94 (Cleveland Browns)
  • Key College Records: Ended his college career as the FBS all-time leader in total touchdowns (189) and matched Case Keenum for the all-time record for passing yards.
  • Current Team: Cleveland Browns (Quarterback)
  • Contract Details: 4-year, $6,226,322 rookie contract, including a $1,168,232 signing bonus (signed June 4th, 2025).

The Contract and The Competition: Navigating a Crowded QB Room

Gabriel’s financial commitment from the Browns highlights the team's long-term belief in his potential, even if his immediate path is blocked. He signed a four-year, $6.2 million rookie contract in June 2025, a standard deal for a third-round selection.

A QB Room Unlike Any Other

The true intrigue in Cleveland lies in the intense competition. The Browns made headlines in the 2025 NFL Draft by selecting two high-profile quarterbacks: Gabriel and Colorado star Shedeur Sanders. This dual-selection strategy immediately signaled a massive shift in the team’s approach to the quarterback position.

As the 2025 season progresses, reports suggest that Shedeur Sanders has emerged as the Browns' QB1, at least for the rest of the year. This development casts a shadow over Gabriel's immediate prospects, as he is now widely expected to remain on the bench for the entirety of his rookie campaign.

While a year of learning and development is common for rookie quarterbacks, the situation in Cleveland is unique because of the direct competition from a fellow rookie taken in the same draft. This internal rivalry will be a constant source of speculation for years to come, with both players vying for the eventual long-term starter role. The Browns' decision to invest significant draft capital in two players at the same position suggests a high-stakes, internal developmental race.

Dillon Gabriel's College Legacy: A Record-Setting Career

The reason Gabriel was a highly-touted draft pick is his exceptional production and durability throughout his five-year college career. He finished his time in college football as a statistical anomaly, leaving a legacy that few players can match.

The All-Time Touchdown King

Gabriel's most impressive college achievement is becoming the FBS all-time leader in total touchdowns, amassing 189 scores throughout his stints at UCF, Oklahoma, and Oregon. This record is a testament to his ability to consistently find the end zone, whether through his arm or his legs. Furthermore, he matched the legendary Case Keenum for the all-time passing yards record, solidifying his status as one of the most productive passers in the history of the sport.

Scouting Report & NFL Outlook

NFL analysts view Gabriel as an intriguing, yet limited, prospect. His strengths are rooted in his throwing ability and extensive experience.

  • Throwing Prowess: Scouts praise him as a "good pure thrower of the football" with "solid juice" on his passes and a tight spiral. He has demonstrated a willingness to put throws into tight windows.
  • College Experience: His multi-year experience, dating back to 2019, has honed his distribution skills, particularly in RPO (Run-Pass Option) concepts, which are increasingly vital in the modern NFL.
  • Physical Limitations: The primary concern surrounding Gabriel is his physical stature (6’0”, 200 lbs) and a perceived lack of elite pocket presence, which led to a mid-5th round pre-draft grade from some analysts, though the Browns ultimately took him much higher in the 3rd round. These physical limitations are what some believe will cap his ceiling as a long-term NFL starter.

The Future: A Blessing in Disguise?

While the immediate news of being benched behind Shedeur Sanders may seem like a setback, a year of development could prove to be a "blessing in disguise" for Dillon Gabriel.

The Browns' organization, by drafting two quarterbacks, is clearly prioritizing the long-term future of the position. Gabriel will have the entire 2025 season to learn the intricacies of the professional game without the pressure of having to perform immediately. He can focus on refining his pocket presence, adjusting to the speed of NFL defenses, and absorbing the team's offensive playbook under the guidance of the coaching staff. This period of quiet development is often crucial for college stars who need time to transition their skills to the professional level. The competition with Sanders will continue to push both players, ensuring the Browns get the best possible outcome from their significant 2025 draft investment.

The Unexpected Journey: 5 Reasons Dillon Gabriel's Rookie Year with the Cleveland Browns is Must-Watch TV
cleveland browns dillon gabriel
cleveland browns dillon gabriel

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