Berea, Ohio – Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel will get one final day tomorrow to showcase their skills during the closed-to-the-media Browns rookie minicamp on Sunday. After this, they’ll team up with seasoned players Kenny Pickett and Joe Flacco for the multi-quarterback contest starting Monday as part of the optional off-season training sessions.

Neither of the young quarterbacks was overwhelmed by the occasion, whether during gameplay or otherwise, and they seem prepared to compete with the seasoned players in an intense contest expected this spring and summer. Additionally, Deshaun Watson will remain present as he recovers from his torn Achilles tendon.

Both Sanders and Gabriel performed well on the field, completing most of their passes even though they were throwing primarily to undrafted rookies and tryout players. They both picked up the scheme well and made adjustments over the two-day period. They exhibited good arm strength, sound decision-making, good footwork on their drop-backs, and sleight of hand on play-action.

Gabriel, selected in the third round from Oregon, led the way during team drills, 7-on-7 sessions, and red zone practices for the initial couple of days. He is expected to stay ahead of Sanders, who was picked in the fifth round, as the squad progresses with their offseason training and organized team activities.

Based on Gabriel’s relatively high draft standing, he is expected to follow Pickett in the selection order. However, the Browns have the option to maintain this information as confidential for several more weeks. Media access to these workout sessions has been restricted until May 28th.

“All these guys are taking coaching,” Stefanski said. “I think that’s such a big part of this, and we’ve talked about it a little bit the last few weeks is no one’s a finished product. So, we’re trying to do everything in our power to develop these young men into players. It’s a process. It takes time.

I enjoy how these newcomers recognize the effort required. It was great to see everyone sleep soundly last night, and we’ll have another productive day ahead. They’re truly receptive to coaching, which I greatly appreciate.

Is Stefanski confident after this training camp that these players can perform well against Pickett, who has been with the team for four years, and Flacco, who is entering his eighteenth year as a professional?

Yeah, I’m not particularly concerned with comparing them, as such, but rather thrilled to have them join Deshaun, Joe, and Kenny,” Stefanski stated. “We welcome them to the quarterback room and recognize that this is an area where we put in significant effort, discussing advanced football strategies extensively. I believe they will integrate very smoothly.

Sanders and Gabriel, well accustomed to media scrutiny, excelled during their podium interviews on Saturday and understand that every aspect is under evaluation.

You all are starting to become familiar with these young players, particularly the quarterbacks from this entire rookie class,” Stefanski stated. “They’re quite remarkable individuals. They excel both on and off the field. Part of discussing with you also involves communicating with our supporters. We aim for them to grasp who these young men truly are. The deeper understanding people gain about them will reveal how dedicated these fellows are to putting in serious effort into what they do. This isn’t just an activity; it’s their profession now—something I’ve emphasized to each one of them.

Sanders, Gabriel and Quinshon Judkins will also participate in the NFLPA’s Rookie Premiere Wednesday through Saturday in Los Angeles, which helps players maximize their branding and marketing opportunities.


Mason Graham throws up during practice

Like Dawand Jones before him, Browns No. 5 overall pick Mason Graham lost his cookies on Day 2 of rookie minicamp. Or to hear Stefanski tell it, chicken wings.

During an early 11-on-11 drill, Graham threw up, and had to run off the field. Soon, he was rinsing out his helmet with a squeeze water bottle, and getting back after it in individual drills with position coach Jacques Cesaire.

“I think he ate too much,” Stefanski said. “I think the cooking in the kitchen was too good. So, a few less wings next time.”

Stefanski additionally pointed out that Graham, the defensive tackle from Michigan, needed to make some amends.

He also offered his apologies to the offensive line since they were really close to it and nearly standing within it,” he said. “However, he’s doing well; he has the correct mindset.

Graham exhibited the characteristics that prompted the Browns to trade back from pick number two to pick five with the Jaguars in order to select him during this camp. These attributes included powerful and explosive hands as well as a strong initial burst off the line.


Carson Schwesinger’s interception

Number thirty-three, Carson Schwesinger, the UCLA linebacker, intercepted a pass when he anticipated receiver Kisean Jackson’s path during red-zone practice. He returned the interception all the way across the practice field and was met with an enthusiastic chest bump from another linebacker once he arrived.

Yeah, he did an excellent job,” Stefanski stated. “When you consider his intellect and how rapidly everything unfolds inside the red zone, being able to think quickly becomes crucial. He also made a fantastic play on the ball.

Schwesinger, known for his strong defensive coverage skills, will step up as the starter in place of Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah until Owusu-Koramoah returns from his significant neck injury, which might happen before the end of this season or later. Additionally, Schwesinger mentioned this week that he intends to seek advice from Owusu-Koramoah when they meet during the upcoming off-season training sessions.


Deshaun Watson has taken off his boot but is still undergoing rehabilitation.

Since undergoing surgery to fix his torn Achilles tendon on January 10th, Watson has been recovering at the Browns’ training complex. He plans to stay with the team for the entire season. Although the Browns anticipate that he’ll be sidelined for a considerable part of it, he has progressed enough to step out of his walking boot and remains resolute about making a robust return.

He’s putting in tremendous effort,” Stefanski stated. “Performing admirably during his rehabilitation. Also excelling in the meetings.

Watson, who received vocal support from Deion Sanders when fans booed him while he down on the field with the retorn Achilles, will likely be a big help to the rookies as they learn the system.


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