j/c...
I am tickled to death the Browns did not take Milroe at any point.
Gabriel being drafted over Sanders is hilarious.
Pickett is QB1 for the Browns.
Dane Brugler had Gabriel as QB9 and a 4th round grade. I believe Peen liked Gabriel as a mid-round option.
STRENGTHS:
● Efficient lefty passer with quick-trigger release
● Competes with veteran awareness, both in muddy pockets and in space
● Shows outstanding feel to patiently sort through the rush, elude pressure and buy time
● Foot quickness allows for sudden resets with his base and mechanics
● Keeps eyes downfield and doesn't panic when locating secondary progressions
● Doesn't have a power arm but spins tight, accurate spirals in short to intermediate game
● Excellent touch on deep bucket throws, especially over middle of the field on post routes
● Nifty escapability — will take advantage of free yards
● Intensely competitive; teammates say he brings same infectious energy each day (NFL scout: "The coaches say he is obsessed with
winning.")
● Highly respected teammate; hosted Airbnb bonding retreats for teammates (drives same Chrysler Pacifica van he's had for years, partly
because it has room for his family and teammates)
● Incredible career production; started more games (63) than any other quarterback in FBS history
WEAKNESSES:
● Short stature with smaller hands and maxed-out build
● Deep throws outside numbers often lose life, requiring receivers to slow their strides
● Struggles to add zip — lack of arm strength shows on the move or with limited foot space
● Average anticipation — more of a "see it" decision-maker
● Quick-game and checkdowns helped inflate completion percentage
● Had trouble recognizing underneath defenders, especially in red zone (four of six interceptions in 2024 came in goal-to-go situations)
● Will turn 25 as a rookie
● Missed game against Texas first season at Oklahoma because of concussion (Oct. 2022); missed final 10 games of final season at UCF with
broken left clavicle (Sept. 2021)
SUMMARY: A one-year starter at Oregon, Gabriel was a productive passer in offensive coordinator Will Stein's balanced spread scheme (51
percent pass to 49 percent run). After three seasons at UCF and two at Oklahoma, he led the Ducks to a 13-1 record and 2024 Big Ten
Championship, winning Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year and finishing third in Heisman Trophy voting. With six years of college football and 63
starts under his belt, he set the FBS record with 189 total touchdowns (155 passing, 33 rushing, one receiving) and ranks No. 2 all-time in passing
yards (18,722).
A point guard-style quarterback, Gabriel is willing to scan from the pocket and deliver accurate balls with a twitchy release, although he is often too
willing to bypass tight windows and settle for the checkdown. He isn't an electric athlete, by any means, but he is very poised and confident and
plays with exceptional feel for navigating pressure to create second-chance plays. Overall, Gabriel looks small in the pocket and has some
limitations as a downfield thrower, but he is a rhythm passer with the football instincts and mature intangibles to overcome his physical
shortcomings. A savvy lefty with a quick release, he has similarities to Tua Tagovailoa — and has a fighting chance to earn a backup role in the
NFL.
GRADE: 4th round
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