Shedeur Sanders looks sharper than Dillon Gabriel at Browns rookie minicamp day 1

TOI Sports Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / May 10, 2025, 17:31 IST

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Browns' rookie minicamp witnessed a quarterback face-off. Shedeur Sanders impressed with his throws. He displayed confidence and timing. Dillon Gabriel also participated. Coach Kevin Stefanski said the QB room is open. Sanders showed quick decisions and accuracy. Both quarterbacks are competing for depth. Sanders, a fifth-rounder, is challenging Gabriel. Reps matter more than draft position in football.

Shedeur Sanders looks sharper than Dillon Gabriel at Browns rookie minicamp day 1

The Browns’ QB room is crowded as Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel compete for future roles. (Credit: Getty Images)

So, the Browns’ rookie minicamp kicked off, and we already have a mini quarterback showdown brewing. Two big names—Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel, took the field, and while both were expected to shine, it’s Deion’s youngest son who seems to be getting the early edge. Yep, Shedeur might’ve just pulled a “watch me work” moment on Day 1, and everyone’s talking.

Shedeur Sanders turns heads on day one with crisp throws and serious poise

It didn’t take long for Shedeur Sanders to make his presence felt.

Operation Sindoor

The rookie QB stepped into drills looking locked-in, delivering sharp passes and showing off smooth chemistry with receivers. Coaches and media on-site noticed the confidence and timing right away, he looked like he’d done this before.

During 7-on-7s and 11-on-11 sessions, Shedeur showed composure under pressure and impressive accuracy. His mechanics looked clean, and he seemed fully in control of the offense, even on Day 1. For someone just stepping into the NFL, this was a strong debut.

Dillon Gabriel got the first reps, but Shedeur Sanders stole the spotlight

Yes, Dillon Gabriel technically opened things up, taking the first QB reps in practice. But before anyone could assume that meant something, head coach Kevin Stefanski stepped in to cool the hot takes. "I wouldn’t look into anything," he said when asked about the order. Translation? The QB room is still wide open.

Still, even with Gabriel starting off, it was Shedeur who had more people buzzing. He seemed quicker with decisions, tighter with throws, and just a bit more in sync overall.

This rookie battle could heat up fast as Browns evaluate their QB depth

Right now, this isn’t about starter status, it’s about potential. With Deshaun Watson locked in as QB1, the focus is on depth and development. Both Shedeur and Gabriel are fighting for a backup or practice squad slot, and based on Day 1, Shedeur just might be pulling ahead.Keep in mind: Gabriel was a third-rounder, and Shedeur was taken in the fifth. So technically, the pressure is heavier on Gabriel to show out. But in football, reps matter more than draft position and Sanders looked ready. With more minicamp days ahead, this story is far from over. But if early signs mean anything, Shedeur just added some real spice to the Browns' rookie QB room.Also read - “I ain’t got no code yet”: Shilo Sanders cracks jokes on Day 1 with Bucs after surprise $2.9M NFL deal

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TOI Sports Desk

The TOI Sports Desk excels in a myriad of roles that capture the essence of live sporting events and deliver compelling content to readers worldwide. From running live blogs for India and non-India cricket matches to global spectacles featuring Indian talents, like the Chess World Cup final featuring Praggnanandhaa and the Badminton World Championships semifinal featuring HS Prannoy, our live coverage extends to all mega sporting events. We extensively cover events like the Olympics, Asian Games, Cricket World Cups, FIFA World Cups, and more. The desk is also adept at writing comprehensive match reports and insightful post-match commentary, complemented by stats-based articles that provide an in-depth analysis of player performances and team dynamics. We track news wires for key stories, conduct exclusive player interviews in both text and video formats, and file content from print editions and reporters. We keep track of all viral stories, trending topics and produce our own copies on the subjects. We deliver accurate, engaging, and up-to-the-minute sports content, round the clock.

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