Why the Browns’ Day 2 NFL Draft Pick of QB Dillon Gabriel Left Fans Stunned

You can say a lot about the Cleveland Browns, but they are certainly not predictable.

Just after trading down from the No. 2 pick in the NFL Draft and snagging Jacksonville’s 2026 first-round pick, the Browns surprised many by choosing linebacker Carson Schwesinger at No. 33. They then picked running back Quinshon Judkins at No. 36, tight end Harold Fannin Jr. at No. 67, and quarterback Dillon Gabriel at No. 94. This was particularly surprising after a tough 3-14 season where the team struggled to score points.

Gabriel, standing at 5-foot-11, wasn’t expected to go early; he was considered more of a late-round pick with the potential to be a backup. Despite the Browns’ focus on offense, the direction of their quarterback situation raises questions. They now have 40-year-old Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, and the fresh face of Gabriel in their QB room.

General manager Andrew Berry mentioned that the decision to pick Schwesinger stemmed from their high regard for him. With linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah’s future uncertain after a serious neck injury, this pick seems to indicate the Browns are planning ahead.

It’s critical for the Browns to build a strong offense, and coach Kevin Stefanski, who will take over play-calling duties, aims for a power run game with significant tight-end usage. Judkins has a powerful running style well-suited for their scheme. Fannin, though young and still learning, has huge potential. He set records in college with 117 catches and 1,555 yards, standing out against tough competition like Penn State and Texas A&M.

However, the choice of Gabriel in the draft raises eyebrows. Cleveland’s QB room appears shaky, especially after the Deshaun Watson saga impacted their previous plans. The Browns could have chosen other promising players, including receivers and offensive linemen, but they opted to pick a quarterback.

The draft hints at a larger issue: while the Browns are targeting young, athletic players, there’s a growing worry about who will lead the team on the field. With the offseason in full swing and many decisions made, fans are left wondering how this new quarterback strategy will play out.

History shows that teams often need a clear plan at quarterback to succeed. The pressure is definitely on the Browns to figure out their next steps, especially with a demanding fan base watching closely.

For those interested in the changing landscape of the NFL, a recent study showed that teams focusing on athleticism and youth have seen a rise in success. This trend may influence the Browns’ future strategies.

As things stand, the decisions made in this draft could have lasting impacts. Can the Browns effectively turn this roster into a winning team? Time will tell.

[Source: NFL Draft Historical Data]



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Cleveland Browns, NFL