Todd Monken Criticizes Browns QBs After Turnovers During Clean OTAs Drills

The Cleveland Browns’ quarterback competition remains one of the most closely watched storylines of their offseason, with multiple young passers still trying to establish themselves in a crowded depth chart. After investing draft capital in both Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel in 2025, the team entered 2026 still searching for long-term clarity at the position.

Both Sanders and Gabriel saw playing time as rookies, but neither was able to separate himself as a clear franchise option. Their development has kept the quarterback battle open heading into a new season under head coach Todd Monken.

Monken now oversees a room that also includes veteran Deshaun Watson, who is returning from a torn Achilles and remains in contention for the starting role. That mix of experience and youth has created a competitive but unsettled environment during OTAs.

While the competition continues, early offseason practices have already highlighted concerns about consistency and decision-making, particularly from the younger quarterbacks still adjusting to NFL speed and expectations.

1. OTA Struggles Draw Strong Reaction

During Wednesday’s OTA session, Monken expressed clear frustration with his quarterbacks after a series of interceptions in non-contact 7-on-7 drills. With no defensive pass rush applied, the expectation was for clean decision-making and efficient execution. According to reports, Monken labeled the turnover-heavy performance “embarrassing,” emphasizing that mistakes in controlled settings are particularly concerning given the lack of pressure on the quarterbacks. The comment reflected not only the specific errors in practice but also broader concerns about discipline and accuracy within the quarterback room. For a coach trying to establish standards early in his tenure, the moment served as a pointed message. The reaction also underscored how closely every rep is being evaluated, especially in a competition where small mistakes can significantly affect depth chart positioning.

2. Mixed Results Across the Quarterback Room

Deshaun Watson had one of the more stable performances during the session, completing 13 of 21 passes and throwing a touchdown without an interception. His clean outing stood out in contrast to the turnovers produced by the younger quarterbacks. Shedeur Sanders finished the day 7-for-11 but threw one interception, a reminder of the growing pains he faced during his rookie campaign. While his completion rate showed some consistency, the turnover highlighted an area that must improve if he is to push for a larger role. Dillon Gabriel had an even more limited and difficult session, completing just one of four passes and also throwing an interception. His performance added to questions about his standing in the quarterback hierarchy moving forward. Day 3 rookie Taylen Green attempted only one pass but did not turn the ball over, offering a small positive note in an otherwise uneven group showing.

3. Depth Chart Competition And Coaching Message

Based on recent practice reps, Watson appears to be operating primarily with the starting unit, suggesting he currently holds the lead in the competition. Sanders has generally worked as the backup, while Gabriel has been positioned third on the depth chart. Green, as the youngest quarterback in the group, currently sits fourth and may face an uphill battle to secure a roster spot depending on how the offseason unfolds. The Browns could be forced to make difficult decisions if they choose to prioritize development at other positions. Monken’s blunt evaluation signals that performance standards will be strictly enforced regardless of draft status or experience level. His willingness to publicly call out mistakes reflects an emphasis on accountability early in the program’s culture shift. For a franchise that has struggled with quarterback stability for years, the current competition represents both an opportunity and a risk, with development and consistency now at the center of Cleveland’s offensive direction.