The Cleveland Browns' decision to use a third-round pick on Dillon Gabriel was highly debated at the time. Some teams reportedly didn't even have him on their big boards, and he probably would've been available much later.
Taking Shedeur Sanders two rounds later made this decision even more of a head-scratcher. The Browns insisted that Gabriel was ahead of Sanders in his development and knowledge of the offense, but the whole experience was just tough to watch until an injury cost Gabriel his starting spot.
Now, after rave reviews about his accuracy and newfound willingness to push the ball downfield in training camp, Gabriel had a chance to show how much he had improved between seasons during Cleveland's preseason opener.
Unfortunately, it wasn't much, and one can only wonder whether the Browns will even keep him on the roster at this point.
The Browns have little left to gain by keeping Dillon Gabriel on the roster
Gabriel's familiar dink-and-dunk tendencies were on full display in the Browns' 34-10 loss to the Chicago Bears. He completed 5 of 8 passes for 23 yards, threw a bad interception, and took two sacks, one of which came after he completely bailed on a play.
Even though he was playing with roster-bubble guys, it's impossible to look at the tape and see any encouraging signs about Gabriel's game. Some claimed he was always suited for a backup role, but the Browns should look to make him someone else's developmental project.
The Bears game could have helped him drive up his trade value, but it may have done the opposite. Even so, the Atlanta Falcons' offense also looked terrible in their preseason debut, and maybe Kevin Stefanski would want Gabriel back.
The writing was already on the wall when the Browns gave Jared Verse the No. 8 jersey without even thinking of an alternative number for Gabriel. He was never mentioned in the quarterback competition, and with limited practice time left ahead of the start of the regular season, giving Gabriel more reps feels like a waste of time.
Taylen Green is a developmental pick who may or may not be suited to play quarterback, but watching him with the third-stringers would at least make things interesting. He's a freak athlete and a dual-threat quarterback who can make plays off his athleticism and physical traits alone.
Giving up on a quarterback less than two years into his career isn't wise, but the Gabriel pick spelled disaster from the start. It's turning out just like everybody but the Browns knew it would.
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