Context:

Shedeur Sanders, once considered a first-round NFL Draft pick, fell to the fifth round and was selected by the Cleveland Browns at No. 144 overall. The Browns' quarterback room is currently in a state of uncertainty due to Deshaun Watson's injury, Joe Flacco's age, Kenny Pickett's inconsistent performance, and the presence of rookie Dillon Gabriel who was drafted in the third round. Gabriel is currently ahead of Sanders on the depth chart, as his experience leading the Oregon Ducks to a Big Ten title gives him an advantage. Browns offensive coordinator Tommy Rees emphasizes decision-making as a crucial factor for the starting quarterback position. Sanders faces the challenge of closing the gap with Gabriel to secure a higher position on the depth chart as the season approaches.

Dive Deeper:

• Shedeur Sanders, a former Colorado Buffaloes quarterback, experienced a draft slide, being picked in the fifth round at No. 144 by the Cleveland Browns, despite earlier projections placing him in the first round.

• The Browns' quarterback situation is complex, featuring injured starter Deshaun Watson, 40-year-old veteran Joe Flacco, struggling Kenny Pickett, and rookie Dillon Gabriel, creating a competitive environment with no clear starter.

• Dillon Gabriel, who led the Oregon Ducks to a Big Ten title, currently holds a lead over Sanders on the depth chart, attributed to his experience and performance during the draft.

• Browns offensive coordinator Tommy Rees prioritizes decision-making skills for the prospective starting quarterback, indicating that this quality will heavily influence the selection process.

• Sanders is tasked with proving himself in training camp to overtake Gabriel, who was also preferred during the draft, as the Browns continue to evaluate their quarterback options.

• If Dillon Gabriel had not been available in the draft, the Browns might have considered Jalen Milroe, highlighting their interest in young, promising quarterbacks to strengthen their roster.

• Matthew Wadleigh, the article's author, is a seasoned sportswriter with a background in covering various sports and teams, bringing an informed perspective to the analysis of the Browns' quarterback situation.

• The Cleveland Browns ended the NFL Draft slide of former Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders. Once viewed as a first-round pick, Sanders didn't hear his name called until the fifth round at No. 144 overall. 

• As such, the Browns added more quarterbacks to a rather confusing room that includes the injured Deshaun Watson, veteran Joe Flacco, the rocky Kenny Pickett, and rookie Dillon Gabriel, who was selected in the third round. 

• Going into camp, there doesn't appear to be a locked and loaded starting quarterback, especially with each of these signal-callers bringing some big questions. 

• Flacco is 40 years old, Pickett never found his footing despite being a first-round pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers, and Watson is injured again and out for the foreseeable future. 

• So, the Browns QB depth chart is a toss-up, although it looks like Gabriel has the upper hand on Sanders early on, per Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. 

• "Gabriel will be ahead of Sanders at the start of spring ball just like he was in the draft, and it will be incumbent on Sanders to close the gap. Had Gabriel been off the board there, the Browns may have considered Jalen Milroe, who went No. 92 to the Seahawks."

• Browns offensive coordinator Tommy Rees reportedly wants decision-making to be a big factor in his next QB, so take that as you will. Nonetheless, at least for now, Gabriel - who pioneered the Oregon Ducks to a Big Ten title - is ahead of Sanders, which is exactly what happened during the NFL Draft.

• MORE NFL NEWS:

• • Dolphins' Quinn Ewers breaks silence on draft slide
  • Chiefs add Patrick Mahomes' brother in signing
  • Lions get concerning Aidan Hutchinson injury update