If we are being honest, how the media portrays things can often have an impact on how fans think about things in professional sports. Beyond that, how the national media talks about things can impact what is said locally and on sites like DBN. For example, the way QBs Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders were discussed prior to this year’s NFL draft has dramatically impacted how many Cleveland Browns fans feel about the quarterbacks.
The NFL, barring some “daft” conspiracy theory being right, showed
that Sanders had much less value than Gabriel. Reports have come out that multiple teams were looking at selecting the Browns backup quarterback in the picks shortly after Cleveland’s.
According to Greg Cosell, a longstanding NFL analyst and guru, Browns HC Kevin Stefanski sees a lot of QB Tua Tagovailoa in the way that Gabriel plays the game:
Just think how different Cleveland fans might have reacted if Tagovailoa was the comparison for Gabriel throughout the entire draft process.
As discussed with the change Sanders needs to make, timing, rhythm, and accuracy are key components of Stefanski’s offense. The questions with Gabriel continue to be around his size and ability to lift the offense with his play, instead of putting a low ceiling on the unit.
Tagovailoa is an interesting quarterback to evaluate in the NFL. Outside of the major injury concerns, the former Alabama quarterback has put up stellar numbers, but is considered a “Tier 3” level QB. In five seasons, Tagovailoa has put up over 15,000 yards passing with 68% completion to go with 100 touchdowns and 44 interceptions.
If Gabriel really is a Tagovailoa-level player, the Browns got a steal in the 2025 NFL draft. If Gabriel really is a Tagovailoa-level player, Cleveland might still use a high draft pick in the 2026 NFL draft to find a Tier 1 or 2 level quarterback to be their long-term starter.
The nuance of that level of quarterback is interesting and unique.
Do you think the Tagovailoa comparison makes sense for Gabriel? If the Browns backup really is as good as the Dolphins starter, do you think Cleveland uses a top pick on a quarterback next year or rolls with Gabriel?
Share your thoughts with us in the comment section below