When the Cleveland Browns drafted Dillon Gabriel in the third round of this year’s NFL draft, it was a mixture of emotions. Most of the reactions towards the pick were highly negative (including DBN’s
Producer ) and it somewhat trickled into training camp. As someone who attended one of the training camp practices, I watched Gabriel up close, and those negative reactions towards him were overblown.
Since the team named Gabriel the starter, after benching and trading away quarterback Joe Flacco to the Cincinnati Bengals, it’s clear to see what limitations he has and what his role in the offense is.
After watching the All-22 of his tape from this past game against the Miami Dolphins, it wasn’t the best. Missed throws, some turnover-worthy plays, but considering the weather conditions, he did what he was supposed to do.
Three games into the season, Gabriel’s ceiling has been established: Game manager, low-ceiling type of quarterback. Considering the state of the Browns offense, it’s clear Gabriel is doing his best not to give the ball away by not trying to push the ball down the field or pull the trigger (too often) on risky throws.
Again, circling back, Cleveland’s offensive personnel is the main issue, but eventually, Gabriel will have to attempt to push it down the field. It’s fair to criticize Gabriel for certain things, but some of the criticism surrounding Gabriel is ludicrous at times. Consider that his first three games were like this:
- 1st game overseas against a Minnesota Vikings defense led by defensive coordinator Brian Flores
- 2nd game on the road against the Pittsburgh Steelers
- 3rd game in a monsoon at home against the Miami Dolphins
He’s done what he has been asked to do. Despite the numbers not being flashy and the film being inconsistent, it wouldn’t be right to judge him without using the proper context. With that being said, he has to show more in order to quell those doubts about a potential quarterback change happening. Gabriel isn’t likely to play the entire season with fellow rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders being the backup, but it’s clear that his ceiling has been defined after three games into the season.
