The Cleveland Browns’ offseason has been full of intrigue, particularly at the quarterback position, and one name has been creating waves that few outside the organization saw coming. Rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel, a third-round pick with a reputation for poise and quick decision-making, has reportedly impressed the coaching staff to a degree that has reshaped the narrative around the team’s quarterback battle heading into training camp. According to NFL Network’s Judy Battista, the Browns were “blown away” by Gabriel’s processing speed during OTAs and minicamp, and the rookie’s performance has been so strong that he now stands as a legitimate challenger to Kenny Pickett for the starting role. For a team with playoff aspirations and a fanbase eager for stability under center, the rapid rise of a rookie quarterback is both exciting and surprising.
The reports coming out of the Browns’ offseason program highlight one critical factor in determining the quarterback depth chart: processing speed and decision-making. Battista emphasized that this criteria has been the focal point of the Browns’ coaching evaluations, and Gabriel’s aptitude in this area has been nothing short of exceptional. In fact, Gabriel took the most reps of any Browns quarterback during the spring, logging an impressive 83 first-team snaps. This level of involvement for a rookie is not just a sign of trust, but a clear indication that the coaching staff is genuinely curious to see how far Gabriel can push the competition. With the Browns’ quarterback room featuring Pickett, a former first-round pick, and veteran depth options, Gabriel’s ability to quickly diagnose defenses, make accurate throws, and lead offensive drives is making him impossible to ignore.
What stands out about Gabriel’s emergence is how seamlessly he has adapted to the speed of the NFL game. For many young quarterbacks, the transition from college to the pros is marked by growing pains—confusion over defensive schemes, late throws, or hesitation in the pocket. Yet, early reports suggest that Gabriel is already operating at a high mental level, allowing him to play with confidence. His time at Oklahoma prepared him well, as the Sooners’ offensive system demanded quick reads, precision, and adaptability. Gabriel’s calm demeanor and football IQ have been traits scouts praised prior to the draft, but even those expectations seem to have been exceeded during his first few months in Cleveland. The Browns’ coaching staff, led by head coach Kevin Stefanski, has always placed a premium on quarterbacks who can process information quickly, especially in a system that requires tight timing routes and the ability to make fast adjustments at the line of scrimmage.
Gabriel’s heavy workload with the first team during OTAs and minicamp also signals that the Browns are not treating him as a developmental project. Instead, they’re giving him every chance to prove he can contribute right away. Taking 83 first-team reps is no small feat, especially when competing alongside an established NFL starter like Pickett. This suggests that the Browns see Gabriel as more than just a backup plan; he’s being groomed as a possible starter, either this season or in the near future. By placing Gabriel in situations where he faces the same defensive looks as Pickett, the coaching staff can make a direct comparison of their decision-making under pressure. Early indications point to Gabriel thriving under these circumstances, demonstrating the kind of mental sharpness that is often the difference between success and failure in the NFL.
For Kenny Pickett, this offseason has taken on added importance. Pickett, who arrived in Cleveland with the expectation of holding down the starting job, now finds himself in a true competition. While Pickett’s experience in the league gives him an edge, Gabriel’s performance has raised the bar. Pickett has shown flashes of being an effective starter in the past, but consistency and ball security have been areas of concern. If Gabriel continues to show he can not only keep pace with the mental demands of Stefanski’s offense but also execute with accuracy and poise, the Browns may feel more inclined to roll with the rookie sooner rather than later. For a franchise that has endured years of quarterback instability, finding a young, intelligent signal-caller capable of leading the team for the long haul would be a massive step forward.
The Browns’ emphasis on processing speed and decision-making as the key criteria for their quarterback evaluation makes sense in the modern NFL. Defenses are faster and more complex than ever, with disguised coverages and post-snap rotations designed to confuse even the best quarterbacks. The ability to read these defenses in real time, make quick decisions, and deliver the ball accurately is critical. Gabriel’s aptitude in these areas is giving the Browns confidence that he could handle game-day responsibilities, even as a rookie. The mental aspect of quarterbacking often separates those who flash potential from those who achieve sustained success, and the Browns believe Gabriel may have that rare blend of instincts and intelligence that can’t easily be taught.
While it’s still early, the excitement surrounding Gabriel is palpable. Teammates have reportedly taken notice of his work ethic and leadership qualities, which are impressive considering he has only been with the team for a short period. Quarterbacks who gain the respect of the locker room early often have a smoother path to success, as trust and chemistry with teammates are just as important as Xs and Os. Gabriel’s quick release and ability to anticipate throws have reportedly stood out during scrimmages, allowing receivers to make plays without having to wait on the ball. These subtle but crucial traits are the hallmarks of quarterbacks who thrive at the professional level.
As training camp approaches, the Browns will continue to evaluate both Pickett and Gabriel under increasingly competitive conditions. Preseason games will offer the first real glimpse of how Gabriel handles live action against opposing defenses, and if he performs at a high level, the pressure on Pickett will only intensify. While it’s possible that the Browns may start the season with Pickett as the QB1, it’s becoming equally possible that Gabriel could earn meaningful snaps sooner rather than later. Stefanski has been careful not to tip his hand regarding the quarterback decision, but his willingness to give Gabriel the lion’s share of spring reps speaks volumes about the rookie’s standing in the competition.
The situation in Cleveland is a reminder of how quickly things can change in the NFL. A third-round rookie isn’t typically expected to push for the starting role in his first offseason, but Gabriel’s blend of mental acuity, accuracy, and leadership is forcing the Browns to reconsider their plans. The organization is clearly impressed by how quickly Gabriel processes information, a skill that not only helps him avoid costly mistakes but also maximizes the effectiveness of the Browns’ offensive scheme. Whether or not he wins the starting job out of camp, Gabriel has already positioned himself as a key figure in the Browns’ future.
The Browns’ front office deserves credit for targeting a quarterback like Gabriel in the draft. While other teams may have overlooked him due to concerns about his height or arm strength compared to other prospects, the Browns focused on what matters most in their system: intelligence, anticipation, and decision-making. Gabriel’s college career demonstrated all of these traits, and his early transition to the NFL is proving that those skills translate well to the next level. If he continues on this trajectory, the Browns could have one of the biggest steals of the 2025 draft class.
Looking ahead, the competition between Pickett and Gabriel promises to be one of the most closely watched storylines of training camp. For now, the Browns are benefiting from having two quarterbacks who are pushing each other to improve. Pickett will have to elevate his game to fend off the challenge from Gabriel, and that kind of internal competition can only make the team stronger as a whole. With the AFC North shaping up to be one of the toughest divisions in football, the Browns need their best option at quarterback to emerge, and right now, it appears that Gabriel is doing everything he can to prove he belongs in that conversation.
In the end, the Browns’ decision will come down to more than just physical talent. The ability to process information quickly, read defenses accurately, and lead the offense with confidence is the defining trait Stefanski and his staff are looking for. Gabriel’s remarkable performance during OTAs and minicamp has put him in a position to challenge for the job, and his 83 first-team reps this spring are a testament to the coaching staff’s belief in his potential. Whether he wins the starting job in 2025 or not, Dillon Gabriel has already shown that he has the mental edge and skill set to be a cornerstone for the Browns’ future. As training camp draws near, all eyes in Cleveland will be on the young rookie who has already exceeded expectations and is pushing the team’s quarterback competition to new heights.
