Well, talk about biting the bullet. Shedeur Sanders, once a projected top-two draft pick, is now facing a long wait on Day 3. After leading Colorado to a 9-4 record and boasting a 71.8% completion rate, he’s watching the draft unfold from the sidelines. What stings the most? Watching the Browns, of all teams, call dibs at Dillon Gabriel while Shedeur sits empty-handed without a definite destination. It’s not just a shock for his fans but also for the entire sports world, including Patrick Mahomes and Travis’ family members.

Now, who would have thought that the NFL Combine’s snub and those ‘arrogant’ and ‘brash’ tags would not just pull Shedeur Sanders’ draft stock and bring him down to a level that there’s no way out? But is missing out on a player like him a smart move? Shedeur Sanders’ 49-game touchdown streak, the longest in Division I history, was not only impressive but also record-breaking. He’s only the second quarterback ever to exceed 14,000 passing yards with a completion percentage over 70%.

Ironically, the NFL draft dealt him a blow. The Cleveland Browns surprisingly bypassed Sanders at pick No. 94, opting instead for Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel, dramatically altering the 2025 draft narrative. But this move shocked every football entity. Shedeur’s teammate, Travis Hunter’s girlfriend, Leanna Lenne’s brother, Kaden Sonnabend, instigates a debate on IG story in total shock and disbelief and says, “Ain’t no way, man.” And it’s not just him. Even Patrick Mahomes couldn’t help but tweet about it, calling it “crazy.”

Of course, it’s hard to believe. As Dillon Gabriel was a fourth- to fifth-round prospect, the Browns took him, leaving Shedeur in the trenches. It’s not just the Browns; even the Steelers, who were showing interest in Shedeur, did get another chance to land him in the third round, but they went all in for RB Kaleb Johnson. Even New Orleans took NFL-ready Tyler Shough over him. And let’s not forget even Jalen Milroe, with all the inconsistency of 12 picks, got into the Seattle Seahawks.

But despite all this, Shedeur isn’t letting the negativity impact him, as he laid out clearly after the first round. “We all didn’t expect this, of course, but I feel like with God, anything’s possible, everything’s possible, and I feel like this didn’t happen for no reason,” Sanders said. “All this is, of course is fuel to the fire. Under no circumstance — we all know this shouldn’t have happened, but we understand we’re on to bigger and better things. If tomorrow’s the day, we’re going to be happy regardless.” Now, what’s done is done.

This is a pivotal moment for Gabriel, becoming the tenth Oregon quarterback drafted in the last 30 years and the sixth this year alone. Despite concerns about his size, he arrives in Cleveland with significant momentum, a Heisman finalist nomination, and a record of consistent leadership. The Browns believe they’ve found a valuable player, just not the one anyone predicted.

What Dillon Gabriel brings in for the Browns

Well, Dillon Gabriel’s draft story is a suspense thriller plot itself. While many scouts projected him as a late Day 3 pick, the Browns saw leadership, accuracy, and experience, justifying a Round 3 selection. It’s a surprising move. Gabriel is a long shot to start, but a contender for the future. With Joe Flacco nearing 40 and Kenny Pickett still developing, Cleveland’s quarterback situation is open. Gabriel isn’t the favorite, but he’s proven himself.

The Browns seek composure and precision—qualities inherent in Gabriel. He may not be fast or have a powerful arm, but his ability to read defenses, make quick throws, and protect the ball is remarkable. Building coaches’ trust over six years speaks for itself.

Still, this pick draws skepticism. But why? Dillon Gabriel’s height was a factor against elite defenses, even in their Rose Bowl defeat to Ohio State. His struggles included seeing passing lanes and extending plays after the pocket collapsed. That game wasn’t a convincing NFL audition. However, the Browns show a greater emphasis on long-term development. As their GM, Andrew Berry shows faith in him, “Very accurate, very poised, throws with anticipation, good mobility,” Berry said. “…really well-rounded game. Doesn’t have ideal height but that’s not something we thought showed up in his game.”

But, that’s sure a concern, even PFF made a bold claim over Dillon Gabriel’s size, “Height will make middle-of-the-field throws a challenge in the NFL” and “true arm strength is below average for the NFL.” But then there are analysts like Mel Kiper who believe size won’t be an issue for Gabriel. “He’s a winner. That’s the bottom line. This kid throws a catchable ball. He’s 5-11, 205, so size isn’t what you want. It’s been proven you can get away with it in the NFL now. He’ll be fine.” 

Cleveland’s quarterback situation is now centered on camp. While Gabriel will likely start as QB3, the team’s future at the position remains uncertain. Pickett and Flacco are on expiring contracts, and with a 2026 first-round pick secured, the Browns could easily rebuild next offseason. For now, Gabriel needs to prove himself.