The Cleveland Browns have long been a franchise searching for a spark, a sign that brighter days might finally be on the horizon. If the events of October 5, 2025, in London are any indication, that long-awaited turnaround could well be driven by a rookie class brimming with both talent and promise. While the Browns ultimately fell 21-17 to the Minnesota Vikings in a tightly contested affair, the story of the day was rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel’s professional debut—one that broke new ground and offered hope, even in defeat.
Gabriel, selected in the third round of this year’s NFL Draft and boasting a stellar college football résumé, became the first rookie quarterback to ever make his starting debut overseas. Under the bright lights of London and the watchful gaze of a global audience, Gabriel completed 19 of 33 passes for 190 yards and two touchdowns. While those numbers may not leap off the page, they represented a steadying influence for a Browns squad that entered the weekend with just one win, the league’s second-fewest points (56), and a league-high eight turnovers.
“There’s always something to build on, no moral victories whatsoever,” Gabriel remarked after the loss, a statement that captured both his competitive spirit and his understanding of the work ahead. His performance was marked by poise and prudent decision-making—qualities that have not always been associated with Cleveland quarterbacks in recent years. Unlike veteran Joe Flacco, who led the team to a pass-heavy offense in September, Gabriel shepherded a more balanced attack, helping the Browns avoid a single turnover against a Vikings defense renowned for its ability to rattle even the most seasoned signal-callers.
All-Pro defensive end Myles Garrett was quick to praise the rookie’s composure. “Composed, making the plays that we know he can make,” Garrett said. “He put us in position to win. We’ve gotta help ourselves out.” It was a sentiment echoed by many around the team, who recognized that while Gabriel didn’t light up the scoreboard, he did just about everything else the team could have asked for in his first start. The Browns led the game until their vaunted defense allowed the go-ahead touchdown with just 25 seconds left on the clock, a gut punch that underscored how close the team came to a breakthrough victory.
But Gabriel wasn’t the only rookie making waves. The 2025 Browns draft class is already drawing comparisons to some of the most impactful rookie groups in recent memory. Defensive tackle Mason Graham, taken with the fifth overall pick, and second-round linebacker Carson Schwesinger are both emerging as foundational pieces for a defense that has long relied on Garrett’s individual brilliance. Schwesinger, in particular, is already being mentioned as a strong contender for Defensive Rookie of the Year—a testament to his playmaking and tenacity through the season’s first month.
On the offensive side, second-round running back Quinshon Judkins entered the game averaging 79 rushing yards per contest, the most among league rookies. He didn’t disappoint in London, breaking off a career-high 110 yards against a tough Vikings front. Tight end Harold Fannin Jr., a third-round selection, leads the team with 21 catches and hauled in one of Gabriel’s two touchdown throws on Sunday. Fourth-round pick Dylan Sampson continued to prove his worth as a versatile receiving threat out of the backfield, while undrafted wide receiver Isaiah Bond—whose draft stock was impacted by legal issues—has begun to carve out a larger role in the offense, highlighted by a 22-yard reception from Gabriel that stood as the team’s longest play of the day.
Coach Kevin Stefanski and offensive coordinator Tommy Rees made a conscious decision to adjust their game plan to suit Gabriel’s strengths. “A way to spark the offense and get things going,” Rees said in the days leading up to the game. The plan was clear: protect the football, avoid negative plays, and keep the game within reach. Gabriel executed that vision, often making quick decisions and throwing the ball away when nothing materialized, rather than forcing risky throws. Vikings edge rusher Jonathan Greenard took notice: “I’m pretty sure they told him, ‘Listen, just take what they give you, don’t create negative plays, don’t try to do too much. Don’t be a hero.’ I think he did just that. The kid has a pretty good arm. He’s going to be good.”
Still, there were growing pains. The Browns struggled to convert on third down, finishing just 3-for-15, and the passing game largely consisted of short, safe throws—an understandable approach against a Minnesota defense known for generating pressure and forcing turnovers. Stefanski, ever the measured leader, declined to offer a full evaluation of Gabriel’s performance: “Probably premature to grade. There were some good things, some rookie things to certainly clean up.”
One storyline that continues to simmer in Cleveland is the status of fellow rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders, the highly scrutinized son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders. Drafted in the fifth round amid much fanfare, Shedeur has yet to take a snap this season and has remained silent since Gabriel’s ascension to the starting role. Questions about his maturity linger, particularly after he mimed answers to reporters earlier in the week when asked about Gabriel’s opportunity. Whether Sanders will eventually get his shot remains to be seen, but for now, the Browns seem content to see what Gabriel can do with the reins.
For a franchise that’s never reached the Super Bowl and has cycled through more quarterbacks than most fans can count, the emergence of a promising rookie class is a welcome development. The Browns’ foundation appears stronger than it has in years, with impact players on both sides of the ball and a coaching staff willing to adapt and innovate. Next year’s pair of first-round picks could further bolster the roster, or perhaps bring in yet another contender for the quarterback job if Gabriel or Sanders fails to seize the moment.
As the Browns return stateside, the mood in the locker room is one of cautious optimism. The loss in London stings, but the performance of Gabriel and his fellow rookies suggests that this season could be remembered as the beginning of something special—a turning point for a franchise hungry for relevance and respect. For now, the Browns and their fans will watch closely as the rookie class continues to develop, hoping that the seeds planted in London will soon bear fruit on the NFL’s biggest stage.