Tom Pelissero taps into Browns' mindset to analyze Shedeur Sanders vs Dillon Gabriel battle for QB1 job 

The Cleveland Browns acquired Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders in this year's NFL draft. They also brought in veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett in the offseason, while Deshaun Watson continues his rehabilitation. There's now a four-way competition to finalize the starting quarterback for the upcoming season.

On Saturday, NFL insider Tom Pelissero, on the Rich Eisen Show, talked about the competition between Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel. While Coach Prime's son has been in the spotlight, Gabriel was drafted by the Browns in the third round, ahead of Shedeur.

Pelissero highlighted how Dillon Gabriel has an advantage to secure a spot on the roster, as he was drafted ahead of Shedeur. He believes it indicates the team's trust in Gabriel over Coach Prime's son.

"In Cleveland, everybody's talking about Shedeur Sanders, but the guy they drafted in the third round is Dillon Gabriel," Pelissero said (1:45). "You know we got to see how they're lining up. There's already a lot people talking and posting stuff, the passing stats, whatever, but we are so early in the process.

"Having said that, it doesn't sound like Shedeur Sanders has done anything to hurt himself so far in Cleveland. It's just it would be a really unusual situation for a rookie fifth-round pick to win a job, especially when by virtue their actions, the Browns didn't even think he was better of the two."

The national media has heaped praise on Shedeur for his OTAs performance so far, but Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot proovided context on the situation.

According to her, the team is more interested in Gabriel and views Shedeur as the fourth-string quarterback. Cabot also pointed out how Shedeur is missing out on team reps in the OTAs, so the Browns want Coach Prime's son to work his way towards the top.

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Dillon Gabriel finalizes rookie contract with the Browns

Last season, Gabriel joined the Oregon Ducks and took over as their starting quarterback. He led them to an undefeated Big Ten title and the quarterfinals of the 12-team playoffs. After six seasons at the collegiate level, Gabriel went to the Browns this year with the 94th overall pick.

On Wednesday, the quarterback finalized his contract with the Browns. Spotrac reported that Gabriel signed a four-year deal worth $6.2 million.

The Browns start their mandatory minicamp on June 10. They begin their 2025 campaign against the Cincinnati Bengals in September. Only time will tell which rookie quarterback secures a spot on the 53-man roster.