Ranking Rookie QB Debuts from NFL Preseason Week 1
The opening weekend of the NFL preseason gave fans their first look at this yearâs rookie quarterback class under live fire. Eleven first-year signal-callers saw the field in Week 1, each at different stages of development â from first-round hopefuls to late-round flyers fighting for a roster spot.
Some, like Cameron Ward, are gearing up to start immediately. Others, like Jaxson Dart, are learning behind veterans. And then thereâs Shedeur Sanders, who took advantage of an unexpected opportunity and delivered.
Hereâs how the rookies ranked after their preseason debuts.
1. Jaxson Dart â New York Giants
Stats: 12-of-19, 154 yards, 1 TD; 24 rush yards Dart showed poise against Buffaloâs starters, leading three scoring drives in four possessions. His 28-yard touchdown to LilâJordan Humphrey came under pressure, showcasing both accuracy and toughness.
Stats: 6-of-7, 76 yards, 1 TD Miller came in late but was efficient and confident, including a 41-yard touchdown toss. He nearly set up a game-winning field goal before a block ended the chance.
The rookie Cam Miller delivers a TD to Shedrick Jackson after the pump fake đŻ
Stats: 12-of-24, 92 yards, 1 INT; 34 rush yards Leonardâs dual-threat ability was on display in a touchdown drive, though his late interception stalled momentum.
Riley Leonard was very impressive last night for the ColtsđŽâđ¨
Starting for the Cleveland Browns against the Panthers, the former Colorado star threw for 138 yards and two touchdowns on 14-of-23 passing, leading his team to a 30-10 win. His performance drew praise from Carolina rookie wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan, who still made it clear where his loyalty stands.
âShedeur went out there and killed it,â McMillan told reporters in a clip captured by The Athleticâs Joe Person. âBut obviously Iâm gonna take my quarterback any day of the week. Shout out 9.â
Tetairoa McMillan: âShedeur (Sanders) went out there and killed it. But obviously Iâm gonna take my quarterback any day of the week. Shout out 9.â pic.twitter.com/3SX8ACAX7F
That â9â is Bryce Young, the 2023 No. 1 overall pick. Young delivered a solid outing of his own, going 4-of-6 for 58 yards and a touchdown â a five-yard strike to Jalen Coker in the first quarter. Young and McMillan also connected on a big gain in the opening period, showcasing early chemistry between Carolinaâs two first-round picks.
McMillan, drafted eighth overall in 2025, finished with 43 yards on two catches. The Panthers are counting on him to elevate Youngâs passing production after the QB made notable progress late last season, throwing for 1,320 yards and 10 touchdowns with just three interceptions over his final six starts.
The Panthers continue preseason action in Week 2 against the Houston Texans, while Sanders will look to build on his breakout debut with Cleveland against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Despite being listed as the fourth-string quarterback on the depth chart, Shedeur Sanders seized his moment in the Cleveland Brownsâ preseason opener against the Carolina Panthers.
With Kenny Pickett and Dillon Gabriel sidelined by hamstring injuries and veteran Joe Flacco resting, the Browns turned to the fifth-round pick out of Colorado â and son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders. Sanders delivered, completing 14 of 23 passes (60%) for 138 yards, two touchdowns, and adding 19 rushing yards in a 30-10 win.
Throughout camp, Sanders has received few first-team snaps, but he said he used the challenge as fuel.
âI mean Godâs patient with us as humans,â Sanders said. âWe mess up at times, but I donât feel like he throws us away as individuals⌠itâs really just a test, you know, I feel like, from God.â
Sanders expressed gratitude to the Browns for the opportunity to play and inspire others.
Overcoming Draft Slide
Once projected as a top-10 pick, Sanders fell to Cleveland at No. 144 in the 2025 NFL Draft after reports of a rocky pre-draft process. Despite that slide, his arm talent, accuracy, and decision-making were on full display against Carolina.
Stefanski Confirms More Reps Ahead
Although itâs unclear if Sanders will start next Saturday against the defending champion Philadelphia Eagles, head coach Kevin Stefanski praised his poise and playmaking.
âThe situations were invaluable for Shedeur,â Stefanski said. âBy design, he got a ton of reps in this game, and heâll get a ton of reps next week.â
Cleveland will practice with Philadelphia leading up to the matchup, giving Sanders another chance to prove himself.
The Cleveland Browns find themselves at a pivotal juncture as they navigate the complexities of their quarterback roster. With Deshaun Watson sidelined due to injury, the team has turned its attention to a mix of seasoned veterans and promising rookies. Among the newcomers are Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel, both bringing unique skills and backgrounds to the table. Former NFL quarterback and current analyst Dan Orlovsky has weighed in on how the Browns should approach this situation, offering insights that could shape the team’s strategy moving forward.
The Browns’ Quarterback Conundrum
Deshaun Watson’s absence due to an Achilles injury has left the Browns in a state of flux. The team now boasts a diverse quarterback lineup, including veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett, alongside rookies Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel. This crowded room presents both opportunities and challenges as the Browns seek stability at the position. Historically, the franchise has struggled to find a consistent presence under center, with numerous quarterbacks cycling through the role over the years. This ongoing instability underscores the importance of making strategic decisions regarding the current roster.
Shedeur Sanders: The Underdog with a Legacy
Shedeur Sanders, son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, entered the NFL with high expectations following a stellar college career at Jackson State and Colorado. Despite projections placing him in the first round, Sanders experienced a surprising slide to the fifth round in the 2025 NFL Draft. This unexpected turn has fueled his determination to prove doubters wrong. Drawing parallels to Tom Brady’s journey, Sanders embraces the underdog role, aiming to make a significant impact in Cleveland. His performance in rookie minicamp has been noteworthy, with reports highlighting his impressive throws and leadership qualities. Sanders’ confidence and work ethic suggest he could be a transformative figure for the Browns.
Dillon Gabriel: The Experienced College Star
Dillon Gabriel brings a wealth of collegiate experience to the Browns, having started 63 gamesâthe most in FBS history for a quarterback. Selected in the third round, Gabriel’s accuracy and decision-making have been praised by analysts, including Dan Orlovsky. However, concerns about his performance under pressure and deep-ball accuracy have been noted. In early training sessions, Gabriel has demonstrated a strong grasp of the playbook and solid mechanics, positioning himself as a viable candidate for the starting role. His maturity and poise could provide the stability the Browns have long sought at the quarterback position.
Dan Orlovsky’s Analysis and Recommendations
Dan Orlovsky advocates for the Browns to consider starting either Shedeur Sanders or Dillon Gabriel, emphasizing the potential benefits of developing a young quarterback. He suggests that giving one of the rookies the opportunity to lead could inject fresh energy into the team and align with a long-term vision for success. Orlovsky’s analysis highlights the importance of evaluating both players’ performances in training and preseason games, allowing the most promising candidate to emerge naturally. This approach could foster healthy competition and ultimately lead to a more dynamic and resilient offense.
The Case for Letting the Rookies Compete
Let the best man win. Thatâs the crux of what Dan Orlovsky is really pushing for. The Browns have an opportunityâone thatâs rare in todayâs NFL landscape: a chance to organically test two young quarterbacks with drastically different playing styles and college trajectories. Letting Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel compete throughout training camp and the preseason could provide invaluable data to determine whoâs better equipped to lead the team.
Competition naturally brings out the best in athletes. Shedeur is a playmaker with a legacy behind him and an internal fire to silence critics. Gabriel, on the other hand, is the battle-tested general whoâs seen just about everything you can see at the college level. While their styles differ, the end goal remains the same: win football games.
If Cleveland goes the route of a quarterback competition, it gives the coaching staff flexibility. Injuries are always a concern, and having multiple QB-ready options with actual game experienceâeven if only from the preseasonâcould be the difference between a playoff run and an early exit. Plus, putting them through the wringer now avoids the issue of being unprepared later if Flacco or Watson go down again.
Why Joe Flacco Might Be the Perfect Bridge
Joe Flaccoâs return to Cleveland might feel like dĂŠjĂ vu, but thereâs a real reason why it makes sense. Last year, when thrust into action, Flacco performed at a level few expected, earning the NFL Comeback Player of the Year award and helping push the Browns to a playoff berth. His poise, arm strength, and ability to run Kevin Stefanskiâs system flawlessly made him a fan favorite and locker room leader.
Now back in Cleveland, Flaccoâs value could go beyond what he does on the field. He can serve as the perfect bridge quarterbackâstarting the season while mentoring the rookies. He knows the offense. Heâs seen every defensive scheme out there. And perhaps most importantly, he doesnât have anything to prove. Heâs not gunning for a long-term contract. Heâs just here to win.
This mentorship role could be a game-changer for Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel. Being able to watch how a Super Bowl MVP prepares, studies film, and executes a game plan could accelerate their development significantly. Itâs a win-win situation: the Browns get competent play while grooming their future signal-caller.
Kenny Pickett: The Forgotten Factor
Itâs easy to overlook Kenny Pickett in this equation, but that would be a mistake. A former first-round pick just a few years removed from being the Steelers’ presumed franchise quarterback, Pickettâs fall from grace has been sharpâbut not necessarily permanent.
Now with Cleveland, heâs flying under the radar. If used correctly, this could be a blessing in disguise. With significantly less pressure and a chip on his shoulder, Pickett could quietly work his way back into the conversation. He knows the AFC North. Heâs familiar with its defenses. And if he can iron out the inconsistencies that plagued him in Pittsburgh, he could suddenly become a dark horse to start.
Orlovsky, while not focusing heavily on Pickett, notes that the Browns should at least keep their minds open about how to use him. If nothing else, having a quarterback with starting experience behind Flacco and ahead of two rookies is smart insurance.
The Development Plan: Building for the Future
Dan Orlovsky emphasized something that resonates deeply in todayâs NFL: developing quarterbacks isn’t just about physical repsâit’s about giving them mental reps, too. The Browns should craft a development plan that includes game-day observation, simulated pressure situations in practice, and one-on-one film study with coaching staff and veteran quarterbacks.
For Sanders and Gabriel, development needs to be tailored. Sanders will benefit from pocket presence drills and working through progressions under duress, areas he struggled with against top-tier defenses. Gabriel, meanwhile, should work on improving his deep ball and reacting under pressure.
Investing in these aspects nowâeven if neither rookie starts in 2025âcould set the Browns up beautifully for 2026 and beyond. The goal isn’t just to have a QB for this season. Itâs to find the next guy to carry the franchise for a decade. A plan like this is how that starts.
FAQs
1. Will Shedeur Sanders start for the Browns in 2025? It’s unlikely he starts Week 1, but with a strong preseason and injuries or inconsistent play from veterans, there’s a real chance Sanders sees action this year.
2. What are Dillon Gabrielâs chances of becoming QB1? Gabrielâs experience gives him an edge in readiness, but heâll need to show he can translate his college success to the NFL. Heâs definitely in the mix.
3. Why did Shedeur Sanders fall to the fifth round? Analysts cite inconsistent performances against high-level defenses and questions about pocket presence. His slide was one of the draftâs biggest surprises.
4. Is Joe Flacco starting again this year? If Deshaun Watson isnât ready, Flacco is the most likely candidate to start the season based on last yearâs performance and system knowledge.
5. What role will Kenny Pickett play for the Browns? Heâs currently QB3 or QB4, but donât count him out. If injuries strike or rookies underperform, Pickett could be a key contributor.
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