Dillon Gabriel has been making waves with his impressive arm strength, once again grabbing headlines after a recent Instagram video showcased his cannon-like throwing abilities. While much discussion surrounded the former Oregon Ducks quarterback’s height during last week’s NFL Combine, there’s no denying his ability to launch deep passes with ease.
Gabriel’s Throwing Display Stuns Onlookers
In the video, Gabriel can be seen effortlessly launching deep throws while donning a light purple t-shirt, dark patterned shorts, and white athletic shoes. A group of spectators, including scouts and fellow athletes, observed his powerful arm in action. One notable response to the clip came from Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning, who left a one-word reaction in the comments, emphasizing the impact of Gabriel’s throwing performance.
How Does Gabriel Stack Up Against NFL Prospects?
With the 2024 NFL Draft just around the corner, kicking off on April 25, Gabriel is projected as a middle-round pick for the 2025 NFL Draft. Some analysts have drawn comparisons between him and Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, as both share similar attributes: left-handed, slightly undersized, and possessing strong field vision. At the NFL Combine, Gabriel measured in at 5-foot-11, slightly shorter than Tagovailoa’s 6-foot listing from 2020.
Could Gabriel Land with the Miami Dolphins?
Given Miami’s offensive system, Gabriel could be an ideal fit for the Dolphins. Their play-action-heavy and quick-release passing game aligns well with his skill set. Miami’s head coach Mike McDaniel has emphasized precision, accuracy, and smart decision-making—traits that Gabriel has displayed throughout his collegiate career. While the Dolphins already have a solid quarterback room, drafting Gabriel could give them depth and an intriguing developmental piece.
San Francisco 49ers: A Dark Horse Destination for Gabriel
One of the most intriguing landing spots for Dillon Gabriel could be the San Francisco 49ers. While the team is set with Brock Purdy as their starting quarterback, they need a reliable backup option. With both Brandon Allen and Joshua Dobbs set to hit free agency, the Niners might be looking for a cost-effective, late-round quarterback with a similar play style to Purdy.
Gabriel’s game mirrors Purdy’s in many ways—both are mobile, smart decision-makers who excel in play-action and short-to-mid-range passing. This could make Gabriel an ideal choice for San Francisco, where he could develop under the guidance of head coach Kyle Shanahan.
Evaluating Gabriel’s Performance at the NFL Combine
At the 2025 NFL Combine, Gabriel had an uneven showing. He opted to skip the 40-yard dash, which left some scouts wondering about his speed and mobility. During the throwing drills, Gabriel completed only 50% of his passes, with several overthrows on out routes to his left. While some incompletions were the result of receiver drops, especially on deep throws, his inconsistency raised concerns among analysts and front-office executives.
Despite the accuracy concerns, Gabriel’s raw arm strength remains a major selling point. Quarterbacks with big arms tend to attract interest from teams looking to develop talent for the long term. While he may not be a first-round selection, his ability to make deep throws could make him an intriguing option for franchises looking for a high-upside project.
The Path Forward for Dillon Gabriel
As the 2025 NFL Draft cycle progresses, Gabriel’s draft stock will likely fluctuate based on his Pro Day performance and individual team workouts. If he can address some of his accuracy issues and demonstrate improved consistency, his chances of securing a spot on an NFL roster will increase significantly.
Whether he lands with the Dolphins, the 49ers, or another team in need of a backup quarterback, Dillon Gabriel’s arm talent will keep him on the radar of scouts and general managers. His journey from Oregon to the NFL remains one of the most intriguing storylines to watch in the coming months.
