The draft this year was an absolute rollercoaster ride of emotions, with twists entering the story repeatedly. The Jaguars shocked the NFL community by moving up to catch Travis Hunter. Some got snubbed, while some got more than they expected. But for Dillon Gabriel, the story was freakishly not so surprising. He went to the Browns way ahead of his now-teammate and biggest talking point of the draft, Shedeur Sanders. The differences in their storylines are a slight indication of how they will fare in their new home.

Both Gabriel and Sanders were among the top-rated QBs in the draft. While Sanders often featured in the top positions, Gabriel contrastingly featured in the lower positions. However, the fates were reversed in the draft. The Oregon QB went as the 94 pick, while Sanders went to Cleveland as the 144 pick. Compared to the Colorado QB’s highly volatile storyline, Gabriel’s was relatively smooth. However, according to a video, it seems that the Oregon QB had a gut feeling about how his draft would proceed.

In a video shared by the NFL, Gabriel shared some glimpses from his early life and growing-up phases. He speaks to the crew about a spot in the wilderness where he used to hang out and then starts imitating a bird call. Gabriel’s call was responded to, and he was asked what he made out of that conversation. “Cleveland Browns, 94. That’s what he said,” the QB said coolly and confidently. Then, the video plays out the voice of the draft announcer saying the exact same words, followed by his name.

Unlike Sanders, Gabriel has never caused much doubt about his game among critics. He is a reliable prospect, with great skills and even greater numbers. Gabriel has six years of CFB experience and had an impressive stint with UCF, followed by his exploits at Oregon. He also holds the title of Big 10 Offensive Player of the Year.

But a key area that proved to be an important factor behind him going earlier than Sanders was the team meetings. It is the exact avenue where the latter was blasted for his entitled nature. Gabriel’s scouting interactions with the Browns pretty much went under the radar, unlike those of Sanders. He will enjoy some advantage over the Coach Prime prodigy, not just because he was drafted first, but also because of his skills.

Dillon Gabriel overtakes Shedeur Sanders in Browns QB depth chart

The newly released depth chart proves why Gabriel is enjoying a preference. The former Oregon QB doesn’t have a lot of question marks that need answering, and that’s why he was placed ahead of Sanders, reported Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. “Gabriel will be ahead of Sanders at the start of spring ball just like he was in the draft, and it will be incumbent on Sanders to close the gap,” she wrote. Stat wise, too, Sanders is the guy who is the project at Cleveland.

He lacks athleticism and has average arm strength, which raises concerns about his decision-making skills. Pro Football Focus ranks him 15 in the percentile for sack rate group while having a worrying pressure-to-sack rate of 22.4%. Gabriel, on the other hand, had one of the lowest numbers in this criterion, with just 13.9%. He stood low in sack rates as well, with 4.5%. And that’s not all.

In fact, the Browns liked the fact that Gabriel played for different programs and led Oregon to turn out as the No. 1 team in CFB last season. Sanders also has a career spanning two programs, but they had the common link of Deion Sanders. With Gabriel, the efforts needed to develop him seem less. On the other hand, they need to be up and at Sanders to rid him of those numbers.

Dillon Gabriel doesn’t have much except his numbers and game to rely on when people assess his worth. Sanders, despite having more leeway here, still falls behind Gabriel in multiple avenues. His composed mindset and talent do the talking for him, unlike Sanders.