The digital gridiron is abuzz following the highly anticipated reveal of Madden NFL 26 ratings, particularly sparking fervent debate around Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel’s overall score. This initial glimpse into the virtual football world has immediately ignited discussions among fans and analysts, especially concerning his unexpected standing against fellow rookie Shedeur Sanders, setting an early tone for their professional careers.
Dillon Gabriel, the former Oregon Ducks standout, received a 66 overall rating in Madden NFL 26, placing him as the fifth-highest rated quarterback among the entire 2025 NFL Draft class. This positioning invites immediate comparison, as Madden ratings are often seen as an early benchmark for a player’s perceived value and potential within the league.
While Gabriel’s rating places him behind other notable rookie quarterbacks like Cam Ward (72), Jaxson Dart (68), and Tyler Shough (68), these rankings largely align with their respective draft positions, as each was selected before Gabriel. The hierarchy among these early picks appears to reflect a consensus view of their immediate readiness and talent in the professional ranks.
The core of the current NFL player ratings debate, however, centers on Shedeur Sanders, who surprisingly received a 67 overall, a point higher than Gabriel. This rating has raised eyebrows, considering the Cleveland Browns selected Gabriel in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft, while Sanders, despite earlier projections as a first or second-round talent, fell to the fifth round.
The Browns’ decision to draft two promising rookie quarterbacks, Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders, in the same draft class has profoundly reshaped their entire quarterback room. This strategic move signifies a comprehensive overhaul, with none of the four current quarterbacks having been on the team’s roster last season, indicating a bold new direction for the franchise.
Joining Gabriel and Sanders in this revamped depth chart are veteran Super Bowl champion Joe Flacco and newly acquired Kenny Pickett, who was traded from the Philadelphia Eagles. Pickett, who previously played for the Pittsburgh Steelers and briefly backed up Jalen Hurts, is currently recovering from a hamstring injury, adding another layer of intrigue to the Browns’ QB situation.
As training camp and the preseason approach, all eyes will be on Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders as they enter an intense, head-to-head competition for higher positioning on the Cleveland Browns’ depth chart. This internal rookie quarterback battle promises to be a compelling narrative, potentially shaping the future of the franchise for seasons to come.
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