The Cleveland Browns are in turmoil, and the quarterback controversy is at the heart of the storm.

NFL draft analyst Connor Rogers didn’t hold back in a recent interview, delivering a scathing critique of the Browns’ current QB situation.

With two first-round picks in the quarterback class—Dylan Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders—fans and analysts alike have watched in frustration as the Browns appear to be wasting precious time on the wrong signal-caller.

Rogers’ blunt assessment? The Browns can’t afford to keep playing like this with Gabriel under center, and if Shedeur Sanders isn’t given a real shot, the franchise might as well throw in the towel.

 

The Browns entered the 2025 season with high hopes, armed with two first-round quarterbacks: Dylan Gabriel, selected earlier in the draft, and Shedeur Sanders, picked a couple of rounds later.

Yet, despite the investment, neither has truly separated themselves on the field.

Gabriel, the presumed starter, has struggled to live up to expectations, while Sanders, the younger rookie, has been largely sidelined.

 

Connor Rogers, a respected NFL draft analyst, shared his candid thoughts on the situation during a podcast interview.

He highlighted that from a talent perspective, Sanders actually projects as the better NFL prospect, despite being drafted later and carrying some off-field concerns.

Gabriel, on the other hand, while having played at a major program (Oregon), has shown limitations that suggest he might only ever be a backup-level quarterback.

 

Rogers expressed bafflement at the Browns’ decision-making process.

He pointed out that Sanders has demonstrated flashes of pro-level playmaking ability in college, especially in high-pressure situations, making more “pro throws” than Gabriel ever did.

While Sanders has his flaws—holding the ball too long, taking too many sacks, and needing to speed up his decision-making—his upside far exceeds Gabriel’s.

 

The Browns’ front office reportedly seems to favor Gabriel, possibly because they invested a higher draft pick in him, but Rogers warns this is a shortsighted approach.

“If you never even get a real look at Sanders,” Rogers said, “then why did you draft him at all?” The implication is clear: the Browns risk wasting a valuable asset and further delaying their quarterback stability.

 

Browns fans have voiced their frustration across social media and sports forums, echoing Rogers’ sentiments.

The team’s offensive struggles under Gabriel have been glaring, with many feeling the offense is stagnant and predictable.

Rogers described Gabriel’s style as “not sustainable in the NFL,” emphasizing that the league demands quarterbacks who can make plays both inside and outside the structure of the offense.

 

Moreover, Rogers noted that the Browns’ coaching staff and personnel must be honest with themselves and the fanbase about who is truly ready to lead the team.

“Are you seeing a guy who can hang around as a starter, or are you just hoping for flashes?” Rogers asked rhetorically.

His answer: Sanders has a legitimate chance to be a starting quarterback in the league, while Gabriel does not.

 

The discussion also touched on the broader quarterback class in college football.

Rogers identified three quarterbacks currently in the conversation as potential first-round picks: Ty Simpson (Alabama), Fernando Mendoza (Indiana), and Dante Moore (Oregon).

However, he cautioned that not all of them will declare for the draft this year, with some likely returning to college to improve their stock.

 

Rogers compared Mendoza’s style to Jared Goff, a good starting quarterback but not a superstar, while Simpson and Moore have more upside but also more question marks due to limited playing time.

This context underscores the challenge NFL teams face in evaluating quarterback talent and the importance of maximizing the potential of their own drafted players like Sanders.

 

While the quarterback debate takes center stage, Rogers also touched on the Browns’ offensive line situation, which is crucial for any young quarterback’s development.

He praised Caleb Lamu, a promising tackle from Utah, as a potential top-10 pick if he declares, highlighting the importance of protecting the quarterback and establishing a strong foundation.