NFL Draft Prediction for Oregon Ducks Quarterback Dillon Gabriel Following Pro Day and Combine.

The road to the NFL Draft is filled with uncertainty, anticipation, and excitement for college football players hoping to make the leap to the professional level. Among the top prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft is Dillon Gabriel, the quarterback from the Oregon Ducks. After a standout college career that saw him show off his arm strength, mobility, and leadership abilities, Gabriel’s performance at the NFL Scouting Combine and Oregon’s Pro Day has made him one of the most intriguing quarterbacks in his class.

In this article, we will assess Dillon Gabriel’s draft stock after his Pro Day and Combine performances, how he compares to other quarterbacks in the 2025 class, and predict where he could land in the draft.

Dillon Gabriel: A Look at His College Career

Before delving into his potential at the next level, it’s important to understand Dillon Gabriel’s journey to the NFL Draft. After starting his college career at the University of Central Florida (UCF), where he gained recognition as one of the most promising young quarterbacks in the country, Gabriel transferred to Oregon for his final season of eligibility. At UCF, Gabriel played for three years, establishing himself as a dual-threat quarterback with a big arm and the ability to make plays both in and outside of the pocket.

Gabriel finished his college career with impressive numbers, including over 3,500 passing yards and 30 touchdowns in his final season at Oregon, making him one of the more productive quarterbacks in college football. His performance was marked by his ability to lead his team in crucial moments, manage the offense, and showcase his strong throwing mechanics. Throughout his time at Oregon, Gabriel demonstrated his ability to perform in high-pressure situations, solidifying his draft stock as a reliable quarterback option.

Strengths:

• Arm Strength: Gabriel possesses an arm that can push the ball downfield with velocity, and his deep ball accuracy is a major asset.
• Mobility: Known for his ability to extend plays with his legs, Gabriel can make throws on the run and pick up key first downs with his feet.
• Leadership: Gabriel has shown he can command an offense and elevate the play of those around him, which is crucial in the NFL.
• Accuracy: While his deep ball accuracy stands out, Gabriel has also shown solid touch and precision in short to intermediate routes.

Areas of Improvement:

• Consistency: While capable of incredible throws, Gabriel has been prone to bouts of inconsistency, particularly with his mechanics and timing.
• Reading Defenses: As a quarterback who often relied on his athleticism in college, Gabriel will need to improve his ability to read NFL defenses, particularly post-snap reads and blitz recognition.
• Decision Making: There have been moments where Gabriel’s decision-making could be questioned, particularly when pressured. Learning to make quick yet calculated decisions at the next level will be key for his success.

The 2025 NFL Draft Landscape: Quarterback Class Overview

The 2025 quarterback class is loaded with talent, but it also presents an interesting mix of styles and skill sets. Caleb Williams from USC, Drake Maye from North Carolina, and Quinn Ewers from Texas are expected to be among the top quarterbacks taken, with Williams likely to go first overall. While Gabriel does not possess the same level of hype or talent as those three top-tier quarterbacks, he still falls into the second-tier of quarterbacks with the potential to develop into a starter at the next level.

Some scouts view Gabriel as a potential day-two pick, meaning he could land in the second or third round of the 2025 NFL Draft. However, that all depends on his performances at the NFL Combine, Pro Day, and interviews, as well as how he fares in comparison to other prospects during the evaluation process.

Gabriel’s Combine Performance: Key Takeaways

The NFL Scouting Combine is one of the most significant events for draft prospects, as it gives scouts, coaches, and general managers the chance to evaluate a player’s physical abilities, athleticism, and overall potential. Gabriel’s performance at the Combine will play a major role in determining his draft stock, as it allows him to showcase his skills outside of game tape.

Key Combine Metrics for Dillon Gabriel:

• 40-yard dash: Gabriel’s 40-yard dash time was one of the key areas to watch for his mobility. Given his ability to extend plays with his legs, Gabriel’s time in the 40-yard dash was a crucial metric for his stock. A time in the low 4.5-second range would be ideal, as it would demonstrate his speed and athleticism as a dual-threat quarterback.
• Vertical jump: As a quarterback, Gabriel’s ability to elevate his game both in terms of arm strength and jumping ability can help him extend plays. A solid vertical jump would show his explosive power and overall athleticism.
• Throwing Sessions: At the Combine, quarterbacks are given a chance to showcase their arm strength, accuracy, and overall passing mechanics. Gabriel’s deep ball accuracy and ability to throw on the move were closely scrutinized by scouts during these drills. His ability to demonstrate pinpoint accuracy while displaying arm strength would solidify his position as a viable second-round pick.

Combine Summary: Dillon Gabriel had an impressive Combine performance, particularly with his mobility and accuracy in the throwing drills. His arm strength and deep ball accuracy were on full display, while his mobility in the 40-yard dash demonstrated his potential as a dual-threat quarterback. His athleticism was not in question, but his mechanics and consistency were still areas for improvement.

Gabriel’s Pro Day Performance: What Did It Reveal?

In addition to the Combine, Gabriel’s Pro Day at Oregon was another opportunity to impress scouts and executives. While the Pro Day environment is typically less competitive than the Combine, it allows prospects to work out in familiar conditions, which can help bring out their best performances.

Pro Day Highlights for Gabriel:

• Improved Mechanics: At Oregon’s Pro Day, Gabriel appeared to have refined some of the mechanical issues that plagued him during college. He showed more consistency in his footwork and smoother delivery, which could have been a direct result of post-Combine feedback and additional coaching.
• Familiarity with Targets: Working with familiar receivers and offensive coordinators, Gabriel had the chance to show off his timing and chemistry with his targets. His quick release and accuracy on shorter routes impressed scouts, while his deep ball looked just as crisp as it did during his college days.
• Confidence and Leadership: Gabriel’s presence and leadership during his Pro Day were also noteworthy. His communication with coaches, receivers, and scouts showcased his maturity and readiness for the next level. This could play a key role in how he’s viewed by NFL teams looking for quarterbacks who can step in and take control of a locker room.

Projected Draft Position for Dillon Gabriel

Based on his performances at the NFL Scouting Combine and Oregon’s Pro Day, Dillon Gabriel’s draft stock is certainly on the rise. While he might not be in the conversation for a top-10 pick, he could very well be a second-round pick or early third-round selection in the 2025 NFL Draft. His combination of arm strength, mobility, and leadership will be appealing to teams looking for a quarterback with both starter potential and upside.

Teams That Could Target Dillon Gabriel:

1. Tennessee Titans: The Titans could look for a young quarterback to develop behind Ryan Tannehill, and Gabriel’s mobility and arm strength could fit the Titans’ play-action-heavy offense.
2. Washington Commanders: With a need for a stable quarterback, the Commanders could select Gabriel to compete with their current options, providing him an opportunity to develop and possibly start down the line.
3. Atlanta Falcons: With Desmond Ridder as their current starter, the Falcons might consider drafting a quarterback like Gabriel to provide competition and a future option if Ridder doesn’t pan out.
4. Indianapolis Colts: If the Colts miss out on the top quarterbacks in the draft, they could target Gabriel as a potential developmental option to compete with Gardner Minshew and Anthony Richardson.