Browns’ Draft Day Decisions Raise Eyebrows Amid Owner’s Influence
As the NFL Draft concluded late Friday, the Cleveland Browns made headlines by selecting Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel in the third round, despite widespread speculation that they might choose Shedeur Sanders, the highly touted son of NFL legend Deion Sanders, who ultimately fell to the fifth round.
Responses to Gabriel’s selection were mixed, with some analysts suggesting that the Browns, under owner Jimmy Haslam, seem unafraid of potential distractions, considering the franchise’s tumultuous history with big personalities like Johnny Manziel and Odell Beckham Jr. An NFL assistant coach expressed concern, stating, “The Browns need another distraction like they need a hole in the head.”
When asked about Haslam’s impact on the decision-making process, Browns GM Andrew Berry insisted, “Jimmy lets us do our jobs,” though the visual reactions in the draft room suggested otherwise. Critics noted that the Browns risked repeating past mistakes with their picks. Sanders, considered a potential first-round talent, slipped to the 144th pick, raising questions about the team’s strategy.
Berry noted, “It wasn’t necessarily the plan to select two quarterbacks,” yet the Browns left the draft with five under contract, complicating future roster decisions. Watson, recovering from injuries, remains on the payroll for two more years, while the team navigates a potential quarterback competition this summer.
Amid a draft perceived as responsible, the Browns’ unconventional decisions have sparked debate about their commitment to finding a franchise quarterback, with many now wondering if they may have found value in Sanders despite the surrounding chaos. As they prepare for the upcoming season with fresh talents, only time will tell if these bold moves will pay off, or if they lead to further complications for a struggling franchise.
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