Washington Commanders general manager Adam Peters likes college players with tons of playing experience. Peters' first draft class with the Commanders featured several multi-year collegiate starters, led by quarterback Jayden Daniels.
There aren't many players eligible for the 2025 NFL draft with more experience than Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel.
So, why would we link Washington with Gabriel? The last thing the Commanders need is a quarterback. Daniels was the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and already looks like one of the NFL's best quarterbacks. However, could Gabriel be a potential undrafted free agent target for Washington with the hopes of developing him as a long-term backup to Daniels?
Ben Solak of ESPN recently conducted a seven-round mock draft for quarterbacks only, finding the best fit for every draft-eligible quarterback. He has Gabriel to Washington as a fit as an undrafted free agent.
Gabriel leaves college as one of the most productive passers in NCAA history, but he does not project as an NFL passer. He's 5-11 and does not have the movement traits or arm talent of Bryce Young or Kyler Murray. Gabriel has a quick release and fast eyes, so he could work in college-inspired offenses like those in Washington (Kliff Kingsbury) or potentially Las Vegas (Chip Kelly).
Washington signed former Wake Forest and Notre Dame starter Sam Hartman as its potential long-term backup to Daniels last year. Hartman spent his rookie season on the Commanders' practice squad, essentially acting as the fourth quarterback. Jeff Driskel is gone, but Washington signed longtime veteran Josh Johnson as potential competition for Hartman in training camp to back up Daniels and Marcus Mariota.
Speaking of Mariota, he happens to be close with Gabriel. Not only are they both natives of Hawaii, but Mariota has also served as a mentor to Gabriel.
"That is a guy I look up to, a role model, and kind of older than me in that way," Gabriel said via Olivia Cleary of Sports Illustrated. "But when you’re growing up and you have that direct example—a guy from Hawaii playing at a high level, at the D1 level—and then you see him go to the NFL, it’s like you can see it. You can believe it. You saw it in him in person in Hawaii. And then, I think your belief in yourself continues to rise as well and what you want to do with your career. So I’m very appreciative of him and how he represents himself, but also his family, his university, everywhere he’s been. I’m appreciative of that and the relationship."
In his lone year at Oregon, Gabriel wore the No. 8 jersey Mariota made famous for the Ducks during his college career.
Gabriel played three seasons at UCF, two at Oklahoma, and one at Oregon. He started 63 college games, finishing with a record of 46-17 as a starting quarterback. Gabriel completed 65% of his passes with 155 touchdown passes and 33 touchdown runs. He also set a new NCAA record for most total touchdowns (touchdowns responsible for), breaking former Washington quarterback Case Keenum's record.
If Gabriel is not drafted, it wouldn't be a surprise if Washington brought him in to compete in training camp. Mariota signed a one-year deal to return in 2025, so the Commanders could look for cheaper backup options for 2026 and beyond.
This article originally appeared on Commanders ...
