Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel was marketed as a “super processor” during training camp, but ESPN Cleveland’s Tony Rizzo isn’t buying the hype after watching Gabriel’s limited performance in a 31-6 victory over the Miami Dolphins. The veteran sportscaster unleashed a pointed rant questioning whether the third-round pick lives up to the pre-season billing, igniting debate about Gabriel’s long-term future in Cleveland.
Table of Contents
Dillon Gabriel Game That Sparked Controversy
| Category | Stats |
|---|---|
| Final Score | Browns 31, Dolphins 6 |
| Completions | 13 |
| Passing Yards | 116 |
| Role | Game manager in rainy conditions |
| Star Player | Jahmyr Gibbs (218 total yards, 2 TDs) |
| Defense Performance | 3 interceptions of Tua Tagovailoa |
Gabriel completed just 13 passes for 116 yards in the blowout victory at Ford Field, playing a conservative game-manager role as the Browns’ defense and running game dominated. While the team earned a comfortable win, Gabriel’s modest stat line raised eyebrows from analysts and fans alike.
Rizzo’s Brutal Assessment
On Tuesday morning’s ESPN Cleveland show, Tony Rizzo didn’t hold back his frustration with the rookie’s performance and the pre-season narrative surrounding him.
“What happened to the super processor? What happened to the super processing that I was told about in training camp by every beat reporter, including (Tony) Grossi?” Rizzo questioned. “Does it look super to you?”
The pointed criticism reflects growing concern among Cleveland media about whether Gabriel, selected 94th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, can develop into a franchise quarterback or if the Browns will need to address the position again in 2026.
For context on Gabriel’s draft evaluation, check out PFF’s draft analysis which ranked him as their 164th-rated prospect.
Defenders Step Up for Gabriel
Not everyone shares Rizzo’s harsh take. Hall of Fame quarterback Terry Bradshaw praised Gabriel during Fox’s pregame show, calling him a “future star” and adding “I like him a lot.”
Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski also defended his rookie quarterback, emphasizing the game conditions and strategic approach.
“I thought a couple times we were trying to get him on the perimeter in these conditions,” Stefanski explained, referencing the rainy weather that limited the passing attack.
The defensive approach makes sense given Gabriel’s college profile—he ranked first in adjusted completion rate at 81.9% but lacks ideal height (5’11”) and arm strength for challenging conditions. For more on Browns quarterback decisions, visit the official Cleveland Browns news page.
Gabriel’s College Credentials vs. NFL Reality
Gabriel entered the NFL with impressive collegiate accomplishments:
- FBS all-time leader in total touchdowns (189)
- Tied for most passing touchdowns (155) with Case Keenum
- Second in FBS history in passing yards (18,722)
- 63 career starts across UCF, Oklahoma, and Oregon
- 2024 Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year
- 3rd in 2024 Heisman Trophy voting
However, the transition to the NFL has proven challenging. Gabriel’s conservative play style and physical limitations (undersized, limited arm strength) have created questions about his ceiling at the professional level.
For more Browns analysis and quarterback controversies, check out our Cleveland Browns news hub.
The 2026 Draft Looms Large
According to The Athletic’s draft analysts Dane Brugler and Nick Baumgardner, the Browns may already be eyeing a replacement. They project Cleveland will select Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson in the 2026 NFL Draft as part of a major offensive rebuild.
“I’d bet the Browns’ coaching staff would gravitate toward the Alabama signal caller—assuming Kevin Stefanski is back as head coach,” they wrote. “Along with his smarts and intangibles, Simpson also has the athleticism that makes him a threat to extend plays.”
If the quarterback class disappoints or top prospects aren’t available, Cleveland could pivot to other needs like wide receiver or offensive tackle with their two first-round picks (including one acquired from Jacksonville).
The 2026 NFL Draft will be held in Pittsburgh from April 23-25, potentially marking another reset at quarterback for a franchise that’s started 40 different signal-callers since 1999.
Want to stay updated on Browns roster moves and draft speculation? Visit our NFL Draft coverage section.
What’s Next for Gabriel?
Gabriel faces the New England Patriots and Drake Maye in Week 8, another opportunity to prove he belongs in Cleveland’s long-term plans. With Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett also on the roster, plus fifth-round pick Shedeur Sanders waiting in the wings, Gabriel’s window to establish himself as the franchise quarterback may be closing before it fully opens.
The “super processor” label now feels more like a burden than a badge of honor, with every conservative performance adding fuel to critics like Rizzo who question whether Cleveland made the right choice at pick 94.
For comprehensive NFL quarterback rankings and analysis, explore our NFL quarterbacks power rankings.
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FAQs
Q: Why did Tony Rizzo criticize Dillon Gabriel after the Browns won 31-6?
A: Despite the victory, Rizzo questioned Gabriel’s “super processor” label after the rookie completed just 13 passes for 116 yards against Miami. Rizzo expressed frustration that Gabriel’s performance didn’t match the pre-season hype from beat reporters about his mental processing abilities, asking “Does it look super to you?”
Q: Will the Cleveland Browns draft a new quarterback in 2026?
A: Draft analysts Dane Brugler and Nick Baumgardner predict the Browns will select Alabama QB Ty Simpson in the 2026 draft, suggesting the team may already be planning to move on from Gabriel. However, Cleveland could pivot to other positions like wide receiver or offensive tackle if top QB prospects aren’t available when they pick.
