The Browns’ decision to select Gabriel over Sanders in this year’s third round raised plenty of eyebrows. The decision to do so says a lot.
“A few teams tipped me off before the draft that Cleveland really liked [Gabriel], presumably as a Day 3 pick,” ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported. “That he went in the third round was a mild surprise, but Browns sources tell me the earlier selection of Jalen Milroe to Seattle did not scare Cleveland—it was taking Gabriel at No. 94 regardless.
“The Browns were also surprised their homework on Gabriel didn’t get more attention in the media. Gabriel visited the team on the same day as higher-profile quarterbacks Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders. Gabriel is small, but he can play the position. Teams were slightly higher on Gabriel than outside draft experts were.”
Cleveland’s selection of Gabriel can be their version of the Seattle Seahawks selecting Russell Wilson in the third round of the 2012 NFL draft. While the two have different skill sets and no one wants to place the pressure of becoming a Super Bowl-winning quarterback and potential Hall of Famer on an incoming rookie, they were both undersized as prospect, albeit highly experienced starters who transferred, with the potential to outproduce their respective draft slots.
Obviously, the Browns regarded Gabriel more highly than Sanders no matter what the team says publicly about the latter—which means the former is going to get more opportunities. The reality of the situation can’t be overlooked, even if coverage between these two incoming quarterbacks will be decidedly slanted in one direction.
Second, the 5’11”, 205-pound signal-caller can play. Gabriel left the collegiate ranks tied for the most touchdown passes ever at the FBS level, while outright owning the record for most touchdowns responsible for. He started 63 games between his stops with the UCF Knights, Oklahoma Sooners and Oregon Ducks. He also brings a certain level of maturity, even as a rookie (He turns 25 before the end of his rookie campaign).
Stefanski may also see an ideal fit for his offensive scheme, at least based on the report from Bleacher Report scout Dame Parson:
“Gabriel is a timing and rhythm quarterback who thrives targeting the short and intermediate areas of the field. He is a spot thrower who can pick apart zone defenses when kept clean in the pocket. Gabriel plays with good poise and calmness inside the pocket, stepping up to avoid collapsing edge pressure. He throws a catchable ball with a combination of velocity and touch. Due to his litany of snaps/experience, the game has slowed down for him, and he can play at maximum speed. He is highly effective on RPO play calls, reading defensive leverages, and false steps on the second level. Gabriel’s ball placement is a strength of his game; he protects receivers and rarely throws them into incoming defenders or high-traffic areas.”
Size is less of an issue than it was 13 years ago, which means that Gabriel’s slide to the third round wasn’t based entirely on antiquated evaluation processes. The reigning Big Ten Most Valuable Player doesn’t have top-tier arm talent. He’s not as effective of a passer when working the deeper portions of the field. His eyes can be slow after working in systems where big throwing windows were common and tight coverage didn’t consistently materialize. Even so, Stefanski’s scheme is also viewed as quarterback-friendly, and Gabriel has showed throughout his career that he can be reliable working and delivering within the confines of the system.
All another year of Flacco starting does is appease the veterans on Cleveland’s roster. Sanders has too much to prove in a short time. Pickett shouldn’t be viewed as a serious option. Watson is a non-factor.
Gabriel is the logical choice to give the Browns a skill set to be competitive, while also igniting some hope for the team’s future. Cleveland simply can’t afford another lost season, and Gabriel provides the best of both worlds based on what’s available.
