Behind the Browns’ Quarterback Overhaul: How Cleveland’s Bold, Calculated Draft Strategy Landed Them Kenny Pickett, Joe Flacco, Dillon Gabriel, and Shedeur Sanders—And Why It Might Just Be Genius
Cleveland, OH — When the dust settled after the 2025 NFL Draft, few teams had restructured their quarterback room more dramatically—and more strategically—than the Cleveland Browns. While fans and analysts initially expressed confusion over the front office’s quarterback moves, a closer look reveals a carefully orchestrated plan that could pay off big.
Coming into the draft, the Browns were in a precarious position: zero active quarterbacks on the roster and a mid-round draft position with limited control over how the board would fall. But General Manager Andrew Berry and the Cleveland front office had a vision—and contingency plans to match.
Step 1: Establishing a Foundation
Before the draft even began, the Browns made two shrewd moves to build a safety net. First, they traded a fifth-round pick to acquire Kenny Pickett from the Pittsburgh Steelers—an experienced starter with both upside and familiarity with AFC North defenses. Then, they signed veteran Joe Flacco, a familiar face who had previously stepped in during injury crises and proved capable of steadying the offense.
With two passable options already in-house, the Browns created breathing room. These weren’t flashy moves—but they were foundational.
Step 2: Draft Day Patience and Precision
The Browns didn’t intend to force a quarterback pick early. Holding the 54th overall pick, they knew they had limited control of the board beyond that spot. They played their hand carefully, waiting until late in the third round when their draft board aligned perfectly: Dillon Gabriel, the dynamic Oklahoma quarterback, was still available.
Instead of gambling on Gabriel lasting another 32 picks into Day 3, the Browns struck immediately, selecting him and making a clear statement—they saw Gabriel as a high-upside, play-ready quarterback who could challenge for the job sooner rather than later.
Interestingly, the Philadelphia Eagles—who owned pick No. 96—traded back shortly after Cleveland took Gabriel, sparking speculation that the Eagles might have been eyeing him as a backup to Jalen Hurts. Philly would later settle for Kyle McCord in the sixth round.
Step 3: A Golden Opportunity in Round Five
Just when it seemed the Browns’ quarterback reshuffling might be done, the fifth round opened with a surprise: Shedeur Sanders was still on the board. The Colorado star, known for his pocket poise and playmaking ability, had been widely projected to go earlier.
Cleveland pounced, trading up 22 spots to snag Sanders before another team could act. In doing so, they landed a player with potential star power at a draft value too good to ignore.
A Four-Way Quarterback Battle Brewing
With Kenny Pickett, Joe Flacco, Dillon Gabriel, and Shedeur Sanders all now in the building, the Browns have created one of the most intriguing quarterback competitions in the NFL. Each brings a unique skillset:
Flacco offers veteran savvy and leadership.
Pickett provides recent starting experience and developmental promise.
Gabriel brings mobility, arm talent, and a history of production in high-pressure college football.
Sanders boasts charisma, pedigree, and upside that could ignite the franchise.
A Calculated Gamble Worth Watching
While unconventional, the Browns’ approach reflects calculated risk management and long-term vision. By ensuring they had two veteran options before the draft, they protected themselves from panic. Then, by capitalizing on draft value and executing timely picks, they brought in two talented rookies who could shape the team’s future.
Only time will tell who wins the starting job—or if one quarterback rises above the rest—but one thing is clear: the Browns didn’t stumble into this quarterback room by accident. It was a chess game—and they m
ight have just played it perfectly.
