Browns Select Oregon QB Dillon Gabriel in Surprising Draft Move

BEREA, Ohio — The Cleveland Browns surprised many on Friday night by selecting Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel with the 94th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. This pick marks the team’s final selection of the evening and comes as a shock, as Gabriel was not widely projected to go until later in the draft.

Browns general manager Andrew Berry expressed confidence in Gabriel’s abilities during a post-selection press conference. “We really felt strongly about Dillon throughout this process,” said Berry. “Think he’s a really strong, really, really good prospect. That’s not to say we didn’t meet with other quarterbacks. But we felt strongly about Dillon and thought he was the best quarterback to pick.”

Gabriel, a standout during his college career, helped lead Oregon to a 13-0 record and a Big Ten Championship last season, finishing as a Heisman Trophy finalist. In his final collegiate season, he threw for 3,857 yards and completed 30 touchdown passes against just six interceptions.

Despite concerns about his height, Gabriel, who stands at 5 feet 11 inches, has proven to be a capable quarterback in various offensive systems. He began his career at UCF before transferring to Oklahoma and eventually to Oregon for his senior season. “Decorated college career, very accurate, very poised,” Berry noted about Gabriel’s skills.

Gabriel will join veteran quarterbacks Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett in Cleveland’s quarterback room. Flacco, a Super Bowl champion, and Pickett, a promising young talent, are both considered experienced players who can provide guidance as Gabriel transitions to the NFL.

“I think as a guy who’s played a lot of ball myself, I know there’s still a lot for me to learn,” Gabriel said. “Being around a guy like Joe, who has a lot of knowledge, will definitely benefit me.”

Gabriel appears eager for the competition, expressing confidence in his ability to thrive under pressure. “I’m built for it. I’ve been playing quarterback from a young age and have stepped into top-tier programs that demand success,” he added. “Pressure is a lot of fun. That’s what you look forward to as a competitor.”

With their quarterback position uncertain after past controversies, the Browns have high hopes for Gabriel. The team will open training camp soon, looking to establish a starting quarterback for the upcoming season.