Browns reporter backs Colorado great Shedeur Sanders, says team 'can't be serious' with Dillon Gabriel

The Cleveland Browns’ QB battle is starting to unfold and it is clearly down to Dillon Gabriel and Joe Flacco as of now. However, ESPN’s Mike Tannenbaum feels as if Shedeur Sanders is the no-brainer option.

“Guys, Shedeur Sanders,” Tannenbaum said on Get Up. “This is a no-brainer. I want you to take some copious notes here. Since 2000, there’s only been six quarterbacks start a game under six feet tall. That’s Russell Wilson, Kyler Murray, Bryce Young, PJ Walker, Seneca Wallace, and Doug Flutie. Exactly. So, to me, even though Dillon Gabriel went in the third round, I would start Shedeur Sanders. Let them fight it out on the field, but to me, Shedeur Sanders has the better pro body and more upside.”

While some analysts, like Tannenbaum, are optimistic about Sanders' potential, reports from Browns camp suggest he’s still struggling to find his footing.

“Shedeur Sanders apparently is throwing not to receivers but to equipment guys. They have got equipment guys snapping him the ball and then also running the routes. Mahomes is throwing to Kelce, Shedeur is throwing to equipment guys,” ESPN’s Aaron Goldhammer said.

Despite the buzz, Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer made it clear: Sanders has been behind Dillon Gabriel on the depth chart from day one—and still is.

“I don't know how many times I have to say this, but it's reality—Dillon Gabriel is ahead of Shedeur Sanders right now, and has been since both arrived in Cleveland. Sanders has worked to catch up, but he's got a lot of ground to make up,” Breer posted.

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That may be the current reality in Cleveland, but not everyone agrees with the evaluation. 92.3 The Fan’s Daryl Ruiter had a strong rebuttal to Breer's take.

“I don’t know how to say this, but Dillon Gabriel shouldn’t be ahead of the ball boys. Every time I watch him I think to myself, they can’t be serious with this kid,” Ruiter posted in response.

As the competition continues to unfold, reactions remain mixed. Gabriel has struggled in recent days, opening a window for Sanders to prove he belongs. Ruiter didn’t hold back on Gabriel and for the right reason as he hasn’t looked good. Sanders has performed in his limited action. The little bit the Browns allow Sanders to run with the starters, he seems to be doing better than when Gabriel does.