BEREA — Life has come at Browns rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel fast in the last 50 days or so.
Gabriel was drafted by Cleveland in the third round (No. 94 overall) of the NFL draft on April 25. Since then, there’s been rookie minicamp, the voluntary offseason program, OTAs, a contract to sign and, most recently, a three-day minicamp.
While the 24-year-old was going through all of that, there was also a new playbook for him to learn. He also had to meet new teammates, specifically new wide receivers and tight ends, while also being judged in a four-way quarterback competition that included fellow rookie draft pick Shedeur Sanders, former first-round draft pick Kenny Pickett and a 40-year-old Joe Flacco, an 18-year NFL veteran with a Super Bowl Most Valuable Player award.
That’s a lot put on Gabriel’s — and Sanders’, as well — plate in a very short period of time. That is, in and of itself, the biggest challenge over that span.
“I think just being able to adapt as quick as possible,” Gabriel said during minicamp on June 10. “I think that’s a challenge for anyone. There’s a time within that that you have to work through, but I just go back to being present and not being able to dwell on a regression or get too high with a progression and being just even keel throughout that.
“So I’ve been trying to just stay balanced in that way, but every single day there’s something to get better at. So just approaching it that way for sure.”
As much has been put on both rookie quarterbacks’ plates the last three weeks as anytime since they were drafted. That’s because the last three weeks have taken what was learned from their playbooks and meetings and forced them to execute those plays on the field.
During the recently concluded minicamp, Gabriel received as much work as he likely has at any stretch of his still-infantile NFL career. Between seven-on-seven, modified seven-on-seven drills and 11-on-11, only Pickett may have received as many reps as Gabriel.
“That’s the challenge, but as a competitor you walk into the challenge and face it head on,” Gabriel said. “That’s what you appreciate about the game, too. I think everyone in this game sees themselves as starters, and that belief of self is why a lot of guys are in the NFL.
“So you just continue to improve, continue to challenge yourself, and not a lot of people love it, but failure creates growth, yet we live in a production based business, so it’s hard for people to understand that balance.”
That’s where Gabriel said the balance has to come in for him. He understands that it seems to always be about the now when it comes about what people want to see out of a quarterback — or really anyone else — so that requires him to take a certain approach to it all.
The approach is to not give into the temptation to try to figuratively run before walking.
“You love to stay process driven,” Gabriel said. “I think for a lot of people, it’s a results-based business, so let’s not get that wrong, but you have to have a process behind it to be able to create consistent results. And I think whether it’s a microwave mentality or that ‘Amazon lifestyle’ of wanting it right away, sometimes it’s just not the case.
“So being able to have a process, stick to it, continue to listen to your coaches and try to get better that way. That’s what I want to do. I want to build a solid foundation so that you’re banking on the process and then allowing that to have consistent results.”
That includes what happened during minicamp. Gabriel was given reps in 11-on-11 not only with the Browns’ No. 1 offensive group — including the entire top offensive line, wide receiver Jerry Jeudy and tight end David Njoku — but also against the No. 1 defensive group.
For Gabriel, that meant also have to stare down All-Pro defensive end Myles Garrett coming right for him. It also meant throwing into windows closing fast because of cornerback Denzel Ward.
Sticking to his approach, though, means maximizing each rep regardless of who else is on the field with him.
“Yeah, I think you’d like to say that you don’t change the circumstances,” Gabriel said. “I try to approach every single day like that and control what you can. And that’s just being ultimately your best in that moment. And the best competitors I’ve been around have been the best at being present.”
Chris Easterling can be reached at ceasterling@thebeaconjournal.com. Read more about the Browns at www.beaconjournal.com/sports/browns. Follow him on X at @ceasterlingABJ
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Dillon Gabriel not allowing ‘microwave mentality’ or ‘Amazon lifestyle’ to change approach
Reporting by Chris Easterling, Akron Beacon Journal / Akron Beacon Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
