#HeyTony: What was the thinking in drafting QB Dillon Gabriel in the third round?

Editor's note: Tony Grossi is an analyst of the Cleveland Browns for TheLandOnDemand.com and 850 ESPN Cleveland. He has covered the Browns since 1984.

Hey Tony: What were the Browns thinking drafting Dillon Gabriel in the third round if the owner was planning on picking a QB next year? Probably would have been better off drafting a needed position player this year. 

-- Bret, Strongsville, OH

Hey Bret: They liked Gabriel a lot. Maybe he starts a few games as a rookie and shows he has starting potential. Then he enters 2026 as a potential early-season starter to give the prospective, first-round rookie breathing room. At worst, Gabriel is a backup to the franchise quarterback, and a possible trade chip in his third year. Keep in mind that Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett are on one-year contracts, so they are unlikely to return in 2026. The Browns are going to need backups on rookie contracts going forward because of Deshaun Watson’s future salary cap charges. Backup quarterback is not an unimportant role.  

Hey Tony: If the season is about developing players this year and getting the QB next year, then why did the Browns waste 2 picks on QB’s this year? Definitely could have used those picks to fill other needs? 

-- Ryan, Phoenix, AZ

Hey Ryan: The trade of the No. 2 overall pick for a future first-round pick signalled, to me, the Browns would revisit the QB draft in 2026. After that, I understood taking one quarterback in the 2025 draft. I couldn’t understand taking a second one.

Hey Tony: Are people sleeping on the Browns? This was a playoff team with a serviceable QB.

-- Larry, Bucyrus, OH 

Hey Larry: Most sports books have the Browns between 4.5 and 5.5 wins. I think they beat that. But I think they’re a year away from contending for the playoffs again.

Hey Tony: Wouldn’t you think that after hearing comments from Joel Bitonio about having the “best QB” out there in order to win every Sunday that front office has the same ideals? If not, wouldn’t they run the risk of more players wanting out like Myles?

-- Joe, Galion, OH

Hey Joe: I believe the Browns will try to win as many games as they can, and their opening game QB will reflect that objective. The reality is that this is a transition season, however. The opening-game QB is not likely to be on the team in 2026, for instance.

Hey Tony: Which QB will be off the team by the start of the season?

-- Dave, Toledo, OH

Hey Dave: I’m thinking the idea of keeping four quarterbacks into the first half of the season is not unrealistic. Unless they bomb in preseason, I’d expect both rookie QBs to make the final roster. Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett should carry the team through the first-half schedule minefield.

Hey Tony: Can you provide some context as to the great duo of Kevin Mack and Ernest Byner, what made them so formidable, and whether you think Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson could achieve the same level? 

-- AJ, Avon, OH

Hey AJ: In 1985, they both surpassed 1,000 yards as coach Marty Schottenheimer powered “Martyball” to a surprising division title in Bernie Kosar’s rookie season. Most fans don’t remember it was Mack’s only 1,000-yard season, but he and Byner became the heart and soul of four straight playoff seasons. (Byner was traded before the fifth straight post-season appearance in 1989.) Their impact could not be adequately measured in stats, though Byner led the team in TDs in 1987, which was the best Browns team of the Kosar era. Both were indefatigable, tough, and selfless football players who made each other better. I think Judkins and Sampson already are forming a relationship that could lead to the same type of camaraderie. Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt had it, too.

Hey Tony: I’m hopeful the city’s current “Shore to Core” development plans are more promising than past attempts. Do you think relocating the stadium helps or hurts a reimagined Lakefront? 

-- Dom, Middleburg Heights, OH  

Hey Dom: In my lifetime of 67 years, no city leader or businessman has presented and executed an acceptable plan to develop the lakefront. I think without a Browns stadium in the way, somebody has to step forward to create a major attraction on the lakefront, and then finance it. Good luck, Mayor Bibb and County executive Ronayne. 

Hey Tony: Is there any serious discussion or concerns from Browns folks about Watson publicly saying he still plans on seeing the field in 2025?

-- Bill, Ashland, OH

Hey Bill: If Watson opens the season on the PUP list, he will miss the first four weeks. Then a three-week window opens to decide whether he is made active or misses the whole season. So, the deadline is the seventh week of the season. If Watson is on the active roster at any point, my understanding is the Browns can’t cash a $40 million insurance policy, which would lead to a nice salary cap credit in 2026. On top of blowing all that, how much would re-introducing Watson – a fifth QB on the roster – confuse the locker room? Seems like a situation the Browns would like to avoid.

Hey Tony: What is the long-term plan at OL? Does one exist?

-- Dennis, Brook Park, OH

Hey Dennis: I’m thinking this is the last season for LG Joel Bitonio and RT Jack Conklin. The Browns have veteran backups for 2025, but they need to draft a blue-chip tackle and hope that Dawand Jones can keep his weight under control and avoid injuries. I think they can compensate for interior positions more easily.

Hey Tony: Will the Browns get cap relief with JOK not being able to play this year?

-- Larry, Hubbard, OH

Hey Larry: Teams receive no cap relief for injured players. Fortunately for Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, he received $20 million in guarantees as a result of his three-year, $37.5 million contract extension signed just a day before his season-ending injury in 2024. Those guarantees run through 2026. Because of the contract structure, JOK’s cap value in 2025 is only $3.341 million.

Hey Tony: Has it ever been this messed up?

-- Don, Rocky River, OH

Hey Don: C’mon. It’s been worse. Next year’s QB draft could – could – be the breakthrough we’ve all waited for. What are the chances they’ll blow another QB draft? Oh, never mind.