The energy in Cleveland is palpable as the city’s beloved Browns welcome a highly anticipated rookie class. All eyes are on quarterbacks Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel as they compete at the start of their NFL careers. The buzz around Cleveland is only growing, with fans eager to see how these young talents will shape the city's football future.

First Impressions from Cleveland Browns Rookie Minicamp

The recent Cleveland Browns rookie minicamp offered a first look at the 2025 draft class, undrafted talents, and tryout hopefuls. Over at the CrossCountry Mortgage Campus, both Sanders and Gabriel worked through drills and team reps. Head Coach Kevin Stefanski emphasized the importance of fundamentals and technique, ensuring every player started on solid ground.

Observers noted that the competition for the quarterback position began in earnest. Sanders and Gabriel alternated reps across drills—each taking turns in individual, 7-on-7, and 11-on-11 scenarios. This approach reflects the Browns' commitment to evaluating every candidate thoroughly throughout rookie camp and beyond.

For a comprehensive breakdown of practice highlights and coach insights, see the official coverage on ClevelandBrowns.com.

Shedeur Sanders vs. Dillon Gabriel: Who Has the Edge?

Cleveland’s quarterback room is shaping up to be one of the NFL’s most intriguing storylines. Sanders, last season’s Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year at Colorado, and Gabriel, a third-round pick out of Oregon, bring impressive college résumés. While Gabriel was selected earlier, reports from minicamp suggest Sanders made a strong first impression and was noted as “sharper” during drills on opening day.

The Browns have not named a clear starter, giving both players every opportunity to earn the spot. Sanders, despite a surprising draft slide to the fifth round, is already proving the critics wrong with his poise and accuracy.

If you want a detailed comparison of their backgrounds, on-field performances, and how the first day unfolded, check out this detailed recap from Sports Illustrated.

Setting Expectations for Shedeur Sanders in Cleveland

Being drafted in the fifth round often means low expectations, but Cleveland's situation is unique. The Browns haven’t had a Pro Bowl quarterback since 2007, so the city is eager for a turnaround. Sanders, whose college career was marked by accuracy and smart decision-making, may have a real chance to emerge as a surprise leader.

Sanders will need to showcase faster decision-making and avoid unnecessary sacks—two key areas scouts have highlighted. Yet, his pocket presence and history of ball security give him a strong foundation to build on during the preseason. Cleveland’s wide-open quarterback race gives Sanders a real shot to upset the depth chart.

To learn more about what Sanders must overcome, ESPN delivers a thoughtful perspective in this deep-dive article.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Cleveland’s Young Guns?

With both Sanders and Gabriel splitting reps and working hard under the coaching staff’s watchful eye, Cleveland football fans can look forward to a compelling summer camp and preseason. The competition remains wide open, pushing each prospect to their limits. Whichever player emerges will face high expectations—from the city, the franchise, and NFL history.

Stay tuned to Browns.com and local news for ongoing updates from Cleveland’s rookie camp. Will a new era begin for the Browns right here in Cleveland? This is the season the city—and its quarterbacks—rise to the challenge.