Kevin Stefanski shows no commitment to Shedeur Sanders, and Dillon Gabriel could cross his way again

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It’s a crisp autumn day in Berea, Ohio. The air is filled with the scent of freshly cut grass and the distant roar of the Browns’ training facility. Players are hustling, coaches are shouting, and the endless cycle of preparation for another NFL season continues. But beneath the surface, a different kind of game is being played – a game of speculation, intrigue, and maybe, just maybe, a little bit of deception. The topic? The future of the Cleveland Browns’ quarterback position, and the conspicuous silence of Head Coach Kevin Stefanski when it comes to prospects like Shedeur Sanders. It’s enough to make any Browns fan nervous.

The NFL Draft is months away, but already the quarterback whispers are growing louder. Names like Caleb Williams and Drake Maye dominate the headlines, but another name, Shedeur Sanders, hangs in the air, tinged with both excitement and uncertainty. And then there’s Dillon Gabriel, a seasoned college veteran who could find himself in Stefanski’s orbit once again. The intrigue stems from Stefanski’s history, his well-documented preference for quarterbacks with a certain skillset – accuracy, decision-making, and a knack for fitting into his system. (Remember Case Keenum?) The question isn’t just *if* the Browns will draft a quarterback, but *who* that quarterback will be, and whether Stefanski’s silence regarding Sanders is a deliberate strategy or a genuine lack of interest. The pressure is on, Browns fans are anxious, and the quarterback carousel is spinning faster than ever.

The current situation is complex. The Browns have Deshaun Watson, but his performance has been inconsistent, to say the least. (Let’s not even get started on the off-field issues). This has led many to wonder if the team is considering drafting a quarterback as a long-term solution, or at least a viable backup. And that’s where Sanders and Gabriel enter the picture. Both players bring different strengths and weaknesses to the table, but one thing is clear: neither is a sure thing.

And Kevin Stefanski, the man who will ultimately make the call, isn’t giving anything away. His press conferences are filled with coach-speak, carefully crafted sentences designed to reveal as little as possible. When asked directly about Shedeur Sanders, he deflects, pivoting to general statements about evaluating all potential draft prospects. “We’re always looking to improve our roster,” he said during a recent media availability, a statement so vague it could apply to any team, any position, any year. (You could hear the collective groan from Browns fans miles away.) But this carefully crafted neutrality only fuels the speculation. Is Stefanski truly uninterested in Sanders, or is he simply playing his cards close to his chest? The answer, it seems, is locked away in the mind of the Browns’ head coach.

The Shedeur Sanders Enigma

Shedeur Sanders is, without a doubt, one of the most polarizing figures in college football. The son of NFL legend Deion Sanders, he possesses a rare combination of talent and charisma. His arm strength is undeniable, his accuracy is impressive, and his ability to make plays under pressure is something to behold. But there are also concerns. Some scouts question his decision-making at times, while others worry about his tendency to hold onto the ball too long.

* Pros: Strong arm, accurate passer, natural leader.
* Cons: Can hold onto the ball too long, decision-making needs improvement.

An anonymous scout, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said, “Sanders has all the tools to be a star in the NFL. But he needs to be coached up. He needs to learn to make quicker decisions and get rid of the ball faster. If he can do that, he’ll be a force to be reckoned with.” But is Stefanski the coach to do that? That’s the million-dollar question. One former NFL coach commented, “Stefanski wants a guy who can execute *his* system. He’s not going to change his system for a rookie, no matter how talented.” Ouch.

Dillon Gabriel: A Familiar Face?

And then there’s Dillon Gabriel. While he may not possess the same level of hype as Sanders, Gabriel is a proven college performer with a wealth of experience. He’s a smart, accurate quarterback who excels at reading defenses and making quick decisions. He also has a prior connection to Kevin Stefanski, adding another layer of intrigue to the situation.

Gabriel previously played under Jeff Lebby, who runs a similar offensive scheme to Stefanski. This familiarity could give him a leg up in terms of learning the Browns’ playbook and adapting to Stefanski’s system. (It’s like he’s already got a cheat sheet!)

He’s transferring to Oregon for the 2024 season, but his performance will undoubtedly be closely watched by NFL scouts, including those within the Browns organization. A strong season could easily propel him into the draft conversation. Plus, he’s got that ‘intangibles’ factor that coaches love to talk about. One Browns insider noted, “Stefanski values smart, reliable quarterbacks. Gabriel fits that mold perfectly.”

Stefanski’s Quarterback Preferences

To understand Stefanski’s potential interest in Sanders or Gabriel, it’s important to understand his quarterback preferences. Throughout his coaching career, Stefanski has consistently favored quarterbacks who are accurate, efficient, and capable of making quick decisions. He values quarterbacks who can read defenses, make adjustments at the line of scrimmage, and execute the game plan effectively.

Consider his success with Kirk Cousins in Minnesota. Cousins may not be the most physically gifted quarterback, but he’s a smart, accurate passer who thrived in Stefanski’s system. Similarly, Jacoby Brissett performed admirably for the Browns in 2022, demonstrating Stefanski’s ability to get the most out of quarterbacks who fit his mold. (Brissett was steady, if not spectacular, right?)

Analyzing the Fit

So, how do Sanders and Gabriel stack up against Stefanski’s preferences? Sanders certainly has the arm talent and athleticism to succeed in the NFL, but his decision-making and tendency to hold onto the ball could be a concern for Stefanski. Gabriel, on the other hand, is a more polished passer with a proven track record of making quick decisions. His experience and familiarity with a similar offensive system could make him a more attractive option for Stefanski.

The Browns’ Current Quarterback Situation

Of course, the Browns’ quarterback situation is more complicated than simply choosing between Sanders and Gabriel. The team has invested heavily in Deshaun Watson, both in terms of draft capital and salary. However, Watson’s performance has been underwhelming, and his availability has been limited due to injury and suspension. This has created a sense of uncertainty around the quarterback position, and it’s led many to wonder if the Browns are considering drafting a quarterback as insurance, or even as a potential replacement for Watson.

Adding to the complexity is the fact that the Browns traded for Joe Flacco late in the 2023 season. Flacco provided a spark, but at his age, he’s hardly a long-term solution.

Drafting a Quarterback: A Necessity or a Luxury?

The Browns’ decision to draft a quarterback will ultimately depend on their evaluation of Watson’s future, as well as their assessment of the available quarterback prospects. If they believe that Watson can return to his pre-suspension form, they may opt to focus on other positions in the draft. However, if they have doubts about Watson’s future, they may be more inclined to draft a quarterback, even if it means using a high draft pick.

The Potential Impact of Dillon Gabriel

While Sanders may be the more high-profile name, Dillon Gabriel could ultimately be the more realistic option for the Browns. His experience, his familiarity with a similar offensive system, and his ability to make quick decisions all align with Stefanski’s quarterback preferences.

If the Browns are looking for a quarterback who can step in and contribute immediately, Gabriel could be the answer. He may not have the same ceiling as Sanders, but he has a higher floor. He’s a safe, reliable option who could provide stability at the quarterback position for years to come. (Think of him as the steady hand on the rudder, righting the ship.)

Conclusion: Uncertainty Reigns

Ultimately, the future of the Cleveland Browns’ quarterback position remains uncertain. Kevin Stefanski’s silence regarding Shedeur Sanders and the potential re-emergence of Dillon Gabriel only adds to the mystery. The NFL Draft is still months away, and much can change between now and then. But one thing is clear: the Browns are at a crossroads. They need to decide whether to continue investing in Watson, or to explore other options at the quarterback position.

The decision will have a profound impact on the future of the franchise. Will Stefanski gamble on the potential of Sanders, or will he opt for the proven reliability of Gabriel? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain: Browns fans will be watching closely, hoping that their team makes the right choice. As a Browns fan myself, I have a bad feeling about all of this. History hasn’t been kind to us.