Browns draft QB Dillon Gabriel 94th overall

The Cleveland Browns selected Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel with the 94th overall pick in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft, a decision that surprised many analysts who expected the team to target Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders instead. Gabriel, a Heisman Trophy finalist and Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year, set NCAA records with 189 total touchdowns and was recognized for his leadership and poise across tenures at UCF, Oklahoma, and Oregon. Despite projections that Sanders would be chosen earlier, Gabriel was the fifth quarterback selected, highlighting a trend of NFL teams passing over Sanders in favor of other prospects. Gabriel led Oregon to an undefeated regular season and a College Football Playoff berth, impressing scouts with his consistent production and quick release, though some see his role in Cleveland primarily as a backup. The Browns' decision may reflect a preference for Gabriel’s intangibles and experience over Sanders’ higher profile and outspoken confidence. This move continues a surprising draft narrative, with Sanders falling further than expected and speculation about the reasons for teams’ hesitancy.