The Cleveland Browns have given plenty to talk about during the offseason. Now, as NFL training camps begin, their quarterback battle is in full-throttle. Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel reported to camp a week ago, but now, veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett joined them. Almost immediately, a new report regarding who can be the starter has arised.
As training camp started, they only had two real practice periods versus the defensive unit. First, a modified 7-on-7 with the veterans on one field and the rookies on the other. Then, an 11-on-11 team period at the end of the practice.
According to Chris Easterling from the Akron Beacon Journal, it was Kenny Pickett the one who got the most time with the starters on 11-on-11 duties. He also was second during the modified 7-on-7 drills, where he went 5/5 on his throws. He also ended his 11-on-11 series with a deep pass to wideout Jerry Jeudy.
Pickett hasn’t been talked about much, but he is in the mix
While many assume the Browns will go with either Joe Flacco or one of the rookies, Kenny Pickett has been putting in the work this offseason. It was reported that he had developed some good chemistry with Jeudy, the best receiver on the team.
Pickett has a lot to overcome as he was a first-round pick a few years ago and failed to deliver as the Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback. After that, he was the backup of Jalen Hurts during last season as the Philadelphia Eagles won the Super Bowl. This might be Pickett’s last chance to be a starter in the NFL.
How did the other QBs play?
Flacco did all he could on 7-on-7 drills, as he only took two snaps on 11-on-11 and both were runs. However, he faced the no.1 defensive unit on the team. His highlight was a diving out route pass caught by Michael Woods II.
Gabriel was a bit more active. He completed all his five passes during the modified 7-on-7 portion of the practice. Three of those passes went into Luke Floriea’s direction. On 11-on-11, he impressed with a deep corner throw to Gage Larvadian that turned into a touchdown. However, it was not all fun and rainbows, as he had a miscommunication with new wideout Diontae Johnson. The receiver cut a deep stop route and Gabriel threw it a few feet further.
Last but not least, Shedeur Sanders. The former Colorado man had three passes off-target in the five-pass series. Not great. During the 11-on-11 series, he had multiple handoffs. Not the best practice for Shedeur as he seeks the opportunity to start as a rookie in the NFL.