The Cleveland Browns fell to a disheartening 2-8 after their recent defeat to the Baltimore Ravens, a contest that showcased rookie quarterbacks Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. The Browns drafted Gabriel in the third round from Oregon and Sanders in the fifth round from Colorado during the recent NFL Draft. Both players began the season as backups to veteran quarterback Joe Flacco, but following a trade that sent Flacco away, Gabriel stepped in as the starter.
Gabriel’s performance has been consistent for a rookie, particularly given the limited offensive support available to him. However, after Gabriel suffered a concussion in last week’s game, Sanders is set to take on a more prominent role. Head coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed on Wednesday that Sanders will start in Week 12, marking an important opportunity for the young quarterback.
As the Browns navigate this challenging season, ESPN analyst Matt Miller predicts that the team will look to draft another quarterback in the upcoming selection process. Currently positioned for a top-three pick, the Browns might not only replace Gabriel but also Sanders in their quest for a franchise quarterback. Miller’s insights suggest that the Browns could trade up from the No. 3 spot to No. 2 to secure Dante Moore, a quarterback from Oregon.
Moore, who started five games at UCLA before transferring, has shown impressive skills despite sitting behind Gabriel this season. He has completed 72.8% of his passes for 2,190 yards, recording 21 touchdowns against just five interceptions. Miller emphasized Moore’s ability to make challenging throws from difficult situations, making him a strong fit for the Browns’ needs.
“Moore alone wouldn’t be a quick fix,” Miller noted, “but pairing him with running back Quinshon Judkins and tight end Harold Fannin Jr. would give the Browns a young, high-energy offense.” This potential strategy highlights the Browns’ ongoing struggle to find a reliable quarterback, a quest that has seen numerous attempts fail in recent years.
As Cleveland contemplates its future, the upcoming draft presents a pivotal moment. The team’s performance and roster decisions will shape the direction they take as they strive to rebuild and secure a stable offensive foundation. With the pressure mounting, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the Browns approach their quarterback situation moving forward.