Dillon Gabriel Talks 'New Challenge' of Browns QB Battle With Shedeur Sanders, More

Dillon Gabriel is embracing the “new challenge” of competing for a roster spot at quarterback against fellow rookie Shedeur Sanders.

"It's my new challenge, but it's also refreshing," Gabriel said on the Best Podcast Available (16:00 mark). "It's a new opportunity, one I look forward to. There's a bunch of guys in this room. You can learn from anyone. I look forward to doing so, but you know, my competition is myself yesterday. How can I be better, you know, every single day? As long as I keep that focus and try to continue to do that, I should be just fine."

Gabriel was selected in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft, followed closely by Sanders in the fifth.

The former Oregon quarterback said he’s ready to battle not just Sanders, but a crowded quarterback room that includes Kenny Pickett, Joe Flacco and Deshaun Watson. Gabriel added that he “loves” the Browns’ decision to draft Sanders after him.

“Yeah, I love it,” Gabriel told reporters on Saturday. “You know, I love it because of who it is. I think just for us both, you can learn from one another. But also, it’s not just us two in the room. At least for right now [during rookie minicamp] is, but, you know, going into the year, Kenny [Pickett], Joe [Flacco] and even Deshaun [Watson], just a bunch of guys who played a bunch of ball that we can all learn from one another.”

For Gabriel, the focus remains on himself — what he can control and what he hopes to accomplish during minicamp and throughout the offseason prep.

“I only know one way to prepare,” Gabriel continued. “I only know one way to work, and that is as the starter. You know, I’ve played a bunch of ball and have a lot of experience, so I’m going to use that to my advantage. . . . I’ve got to continue to dominate the moment and have great practices.”