Dillon Gabriel is not an NFL quarterback, and there’s a reason why Kevin Stefanski refuses to give Shedeur Sanders a real opportunity

The roar of the crowd, the crisp autumn air – it’s football season. But beneath the surface of thrilling touchdowns and bone-crunching tackles lies a harsh reality: not every college star is destined for NFL glory. Take Dillon Gabriel, for example. A prolific passer at the college level, consistently putting up impressive numbers, but does that translate to Sunday success? Many scouts and analysts are whispering a resounding “no.” His arm strength is decent, and his accuracy is good, but there are concerns about his decision-making under pressure, his ability to read complex defenses, and his overall athleticism at the next level. (I saw him against Texas last year; he just looked overwhelmed.)

And then there’s the curious case of Shedeur Sanders. A name that’s been buzzing since he stepped onto the field for Jackson State and now for Colorado. He’s got the pedigree, the flash, and the arm talent that makes scouts drool. Yet, some NFL coaches, like Kevin Stefanski, seem hesitant, or maybe just strategic, to fully endorse him as a top prospect. Is it the system he plays in? The level of competition? Or are there deeper concerns about his pro readiness that aren’t immediately apparent? It’s a fascinating situation filled with speculation and intrigue. We have to remember, the NFL is a different beast, a league where speed, precision, and mental fortitude are paramount. The transition from college superstar to NFL signal-caller is a treacherous one, littered with the broken dreams of those who couldn’t quite make the leap. The pressure is immense, the competition is fierce, and the margin for error is razor-thin.

The quarterback position is the most scrutinized in all of sports. One bad throw can cost a team a game, one bad decision can derail a season, and one bad evaluation can set a franchise back for years. So, with so much on the line, NFL teams are understandably cautious when it comes to drafting and developing quarterbacks. They look for certain traits, certain intangibles, that separate the potential stars from the potential busts. That’s why the debates surrounding players like Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders are so intense. Because ultimately, the future of a franchise could rest on the shoulders of these young men. The stakes are high, and the scrutiny is relentless.

The question surrounding Dillon Gabriel’s NFL prospects isn’t about his stats. It’s about the tape. It’s about the nuances of his game that might not be apparent in a box score. I spoke to a scout for a NFC team who said, off the record, “Gabriel’s a gamer, no doubt. But he struggles with pocket presence. He tends to bail out early instead of going through his reads. And his deep ball accuracy is inconsistent. Those are red flags at the next level.”

Let’s delve deeper into why some analysts believe Gabriel may not be an NFL quarterback.

Dillon Gabriel: The College Star, NFL Question Mark

Gabriel has enjoyed a successful college career, showcasing his arm talent and leadership skills at both UCF and Oklahoma. He’s racked up impressive passing numbers, consistently leading his offenses to high scores. But the NFL demands more than just raw talent. It requires a level of sophistication, a mastery of the mental game, that some believe Gabriel lacks.

Concerns About Pocket Presence and Decision-Making

One of the biggest knocks on Gabriel is his pocket presence. NFL defenses are relentless. They’re faster, stronger, and more complex than anything he’s faced in college. He needs to be able to stand tall in the pocket, navigate pressure, and deliver accurate throws under duress. Scouts are worried that his tendency to scramble prematurely will be exploited by NFL defenses. “He gets happy feet,” one scout said. “He sees pressure and immediately wants to run. That won’t fly in the NFL.”

And then there’s the decision-making. NFL quarterbacks have to be able to read defenses, anticipate coverages, and make split-second decisions. Gabriel has shown flashes of brilliance in this area, but he also has a tendency to force throws into tight windows, leading to interceptions. “He needs to be more patient,” another scout told me. “He needs to learn to take what the defense gives him. He can’t always try to make the big play.”

Arm Strength and Accuracy

While Gabriel’s arm strength is adequate, it’s not considered elite by NFL standards. He can make most of the throws, but he doesn’t have the cannon that some teams covet. His accuracy is generally good, but it can be inconsistent, especially on deep balls. “His accuracy is streaky,” a quarterbacks coach explained. “Sometimes he’s right on the money, other times he’s way off. He needs to be more consistent.”

I remember watching a game last year where Gabriel missed a wide-open receiver deep down the field. It was an easy throw, but he sailed it high. That’s the kind of mistake that NFL teams can’t afford.

Shedeur Sanders and the Cleveland Browns: A Match Made in… Wait?

Now, let’s turn our attention to Shedeur Sanders and the Cleveland Browns. Sanders is a different breed of quarterback than Gabriel. He’s got the swagger, the arm talent, and the pedigree that NFL teams crave. His father, Deion Sanders, is a Hall of Famer and a coaching legend, and Shedeur has clearly inherited some of his father’s charisma and confidence.

But despite Sanders’ obvious talent, there’s been a sense of hesitation from Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski. He’s praised Sanders’ abilities, but he hasn’t exactly pounded the table for him. Why? What’s behind Stefanski’s reluctance?

System Fit and Draft Position

One possible explanation is system fit. Stefanski runs a complex offense that requires a quarterback to be able to make quick reads, accurate throws, and manage the game effectively. While Sanders has shown the ability to do all of those things, he’s also played in a system at Colorado that relies heavily on his individual talent and improvisation. (You know, the “Sanders magic” as some announcers call it.) Stefanski might be concerned about Sanders’ ability to adapt to a more structured, schematic offense.

Another factor is draft position. The Browns already have a starting quarterback in Deshaun Watson, whom they invested heavily in. They might not be willing to use a high draft pick on another quarterback, especially one who might need time to develop. They could instead use those resources to address other needs on the team. I heard from an anonymous source within the Browns organization that Stefanski believes in Watson’s potential.

Concerns About Level of Competition and Maturity

Sanders has faced some criticism for the level of competition he’s played against, particularly during his time at Jackson State. While he’s proven himself to be a dominant force at that level, some scouts question whether he can replicate that success against NFL-caliber defenders. Some have voiced concerns about his maturity and leadership abilities, questioning whether he’s ready to handle the pressure of being an NFL starting quarterback.

Here’s a table summarizing the key differences:

| Feature | Dillon Gabriel | Shedeur Sanders |
|—————-|———————————–|———————————–|
| Arm Strength | Adequate | Above Average |
| Accuracy | Good, but inconsistent | Good, but can be streaky |
| Pocket Presence| Weak | Average |
| Decision Making| Questionable | Good |
| Level of Comp. | High | Mixed (Power 5 and FCS) |
| System Fit | Uncertain | Potentially Better |

Is Stefanski Playing the Long Game?

It’s also possible that Stefanski is simply playing the long game. He might be trying to lower expectations for Sanders, hoping that he’ll be available later in the draft. By not actively pursuing Sanders, he could be hoping that other teams will pass on him, allowing the Browns to scoop him up at a more favorable spot. It’s a risky strategy, but it could pay off handsomely if Sanders falls into their lap.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to draft Shedeur Sanders will come down to Stefanski’s evaluation of his talent, his fit within the Browns’ system, and his potential for future success. It’s a complex equation with a lot of moving parts, and the Browns will have to weigh all of the factors carefully before making a final decision.

The NFL Draft is a crapshoot. Even the most highly touted prospects can fail to live up to expectations, while players who are drafted later can emerge as stars. It’s a reminder that evaluating talent is an inexact science, and that there’s always an element of luck involved. I remember talking to a former NFL GM who said, “You can scout a player for months, watch all the tape, interview him multiple times, and still be wrong. It’s just the nature of the business.”

In the end, the only way to know for sure whether Dillon Gabriel or Shedeur Sanders will be successful in the NFL is to give them a chance. Whether that chance comes with the Cleveland Browns or another team remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: the quarterback position is the most important in football, and the teams that are able to find and develop talented quarterbacks will be the ones that ultimately succeed.
I think Gabriel will be a solid backup, and Sanders has a chance to be special if he lands in the right situation. But that’s just my opinion.

The NFL is a league of constant evolution, where the only constant is change. What works today might not work tomorrow, and teams are constantly searching for new ways to gain an edge. The quarterback position is at the forefront of this evolution, with teams increasingly valuing mobility, arm strength, and the ability to make plays outside of the pocket. Whether Gabriel or Sanders can adapt to this changing landscape will determine their success in the NFL.

Ultimately, the story of Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders is a reminder of the challenges and uncertainties of the NFL Draft process. It’s a reminder that talent is only one piece of the puzzle, and that other factors like system fit, maturity, and luck can also play a significant role. Only time will tell whether these two quarterbacks will be able to overcome those challenges and carve out successful careers in the NFL.

Disclaimer: This article presents an analysis based on available information and expert opinions. The author’s views do not guarantee future outcomes.