Cleveland Browns: Eyes Will Be on Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel at Minicamp
Eyes will be riveted on the quarterback competition between Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel when the Browns hold their rookie minicamp May 9-11.
Cleveland drafted Gabriel in Round 3, then ended the much-discussed fall of Sanders in the draft by taking him in Round 5.
It remains to be seen where Gabriel and Sanders will land in the Browns' quarterback pecking order that also includes ex-Raven Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett. However, rookie minicamp will give Sanders and Dillon a chance to make a strong first impression, and General Manager Andrew Berry will be watching closely.
"We felt like it wasn't necessarily the plan going into the (draft) weekend to select two quarterbacks," Berry said via Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN.com. "But as we talk about, we do believe in best player available, we do believe in positional value, and we didn't necessarily expect him (Sanders) to be available in the fifth round. We love adding competition to every position room and adding him to compete with the guys that are already in there. We felt like that was the appropriate thing to do."
The Browns drafted Gabriel higher than some draft analysts expected, but Berry was impressed with the former Oregon quarterback's skillset.
"We really felt strongly about Dillon throughout this process," Berry said.
In a conference call with Browns reporters, Sanders said he wanted to put his draft drama behind him and put his best foot forward. The higher he moves up Cleveland's depth chart, the closer he gets to having an opportunity to prove his critics wrong.
"What fuels me is my purpose in life and understanding the route that we're going to have to take," Sanders said. "Understanding that I was able to get an opportunity when a lot of people didn't want to give me an opportunity. So, that's what I'm truly thankful for. That's what fuels me."
Cincinnati Bengals: Trey Hendrickson's Future Remains Biggest Question for Bengals
The future of Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson, who led the NFL with 17.5 sacks last season, remains uncertain. Hendrickson is seeking a contract extension and the Bengals have reportedly given him permission to seek a trade.
However, The Athletic's Dianna Russini does not think Hendrickson's departure from Cincinnati is a foregone conclusion.
The Bengals drafted former Texas A&M edge rusher Shemar Stewart in the first round, and Stewart hopes Hendrickson will be his teammate and mentor in 2025.
"Me and Trey Hendrickson – he's going to become my best buddy because I'm going to be under his tail," Stewart said via Ben Baby of ESPN.com.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Door Remains Open for Aaron Rodgers as Will Howard Prepares for Rookie Minicamp
Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports is among pundits who believe Aaron Rodgers is still likely to join the Pittsburgh Steelers, perhaps in time for mandatory minicamp in June.
However, the Steelers drafted Will Howard in the sixth round to join veterans Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson on their depth chart. Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith is looking forward to developing Howard, who helped Ohio State win a national championship.
"He's been in pressure moments," Smith said via steelers.com. "I've never been in person to Ohio State-Michigan, but I've watched enough of them. That's as close as you get to a big-time NFL atmosphere.
"When I got a chance to meet with him, spend time with him at his Pro Day, I came away impressed with the person Will Howard is. I'm extremely excited to get a chance to work with him."
