The 3rd round (94th overall) Browns QB, Dillon Gabriel, was elated when the head coach, Kevin Stefanski, chose him as the starter. But 6 weeks into the 2025 season, he has a 0-2 win-loss record in 2 games (4 games overall). The poor show is happening mainly because of the subpar offense.

Let’s focus on the wide receivers who are hurting Dillon Gabriel and Kevin Stefanski. The leading wideout is Jerry Jeudy, overall 2nd, in receiving yards (240), overall 3rd in receptions (20), but hasn’t scored. Only WR Cedric Tillman has scored 2 touchdowns. If that’s worrying you, please be seated. There’s more!

As reported by Zac Jackson and Jason Lloyd of The Athletic, they rank 30th in top speed when running routes (not counting screens). They create the least separation from defenders when the ball comes their way. The Browns lead the entire NFL with 17 dropped passes this season. Out of those 17, 10 would’ve been first downs (most in the NFL), and 8 happened on third or fourth down (also most in the NFL). This has affected Dillon Gabriel as well.

Jason Lloyd pointed out, “Browns receivers are among the slowest in the league, they create the least amount of separation and they drop more passes — including more crucial, chain-moving passes — than any other team. And they might have the worst collection of tackles in the league. What offense will be successful in the NFL under those conditions?”

The receiving corps has struggled to find the end zone, ranking 30th in the NFL with just five touchdowns, despite recording the fifth-most receptions at 144 for 21st in receiving yards with 1,245. The rushing attack hasn’t fared much better, sitting 24th in rushing touchdowns with three, while logging 141 carries, good for seventh, but producing only 28th-ranked rushing yardage.

The Browns’ passing game this season shows a clear split between the wide receivers and the tight ends, plus running backs. Among the wideouts, Jeudy, Isaiah Bond, Tillman, Jamari Thrash, and Gage Larvadain, the group has totaled 51 catches on 107 targets for 544 yards and 2 touchdowns. Despite having some speed and big-play flashes, this unit hasn’t produced enough consistent impact in moving the ball downfield.

On the other hand, the tight ends, Harold Fannin Jr., and David Njoku, and running backs, Dylan Sampson, Jerome Ford, and Quinshon Judkins, have been far more involved and reliable. Together, they’ve caught 93 passes on 126 targets for 701 yards and 3 touchdowns. They have provided a steady outlet for short and mid-range gains.

If this trend continues and the Browns lose their 6th game of the 2025 season in Week 7 against the Miami Dolphins, the management might look beyond the rookies.

Browns might be interested in Fernando Mendoza

If both Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders were to struggle or fail as quarterbacks, the Browns would be in a precarious situation. The Browns could look to the 2026 NFL Draft for another quarterback. According to Pro Football Focus’ Trevor Sikkema, the Browns might use the No. 2 overall pick to select Fernando Mendoza, the Indiana quarterback, one of college football’s top prospects. Mendoza started to gain attention during his time at California, where he showed promise but also made some risky throws.

After transferring to Indiana, he’s completed 109 of 153 passes (71.2% completion rate) for 1,423 yards, 17 touchdowns, and only 2 interceptions, with a 71.2% completion rate this season. Sikkema says Mendoza might have the best arm talent among the 2026 class. He has also rushed the ball 36 times for 133 yards and 2 scores.

At 6-foot-5 and 225 pounds, Mendoza is bigger than Dillon Gabriel. He’s confident in the pocket, can make every throw, and has enough mobility to extend plays. His decision-making and accuracy, once weak points, have also improved a lot. But there’s another name.

Pro Football Network’s Jacob Infante claimed early in the offseason that the Browns owner, Jimmy Haslam, could also go for Arch Manning, the famous nephew of Peyton and Eli Manning. “Haslam and the Manning family have a good relationship,” Rizzo pointed out. But Haslam later clarified that he would make any decision after proper consideration.

However, if the Browns go that route, it will mean trouble for Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. Officially, the Browns are in a youth movement at quarterback. It might go crazy in 2026.