BEREA, Ohio -- Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken did not hold back after the team's first day of organized team activities (OTAs) open to the media on May 21, 2026. The Browns signal callers threw multiple interceptions during 7-on-7 drills, a setting designed to eliminate pass-rush pressure and focus on decision-making and accuracy.
"We threw interceptions in 7-on-7 for God's sakes. Who does that? There's no pass rush. I mean, it was embarrassing," Monken said bluntly, expressing clear frustration with his quarterback room.
This tough critique lands heavily in Cleveland, a city long plagued by uncertainty at the quarterback position. Monken, known for his offensive expertise--first as coordinator and now as head coach--is signaling that despite the offseason investments, the Browns' signal-callers still have significant work to do.
QB Room Overview and OTAs Performance
The Browns presently carry five quarterbacks on their roster: Dillon Gabriel, Shedeur Sanders, Deshaun Watson, Taylen Green, and a developmental camp arm who remains unnamed. This group blends veteran experience, recent high draft picks, and developmental prospects.
Tuesday's 7-on-7 segment stood out as a red flag. In 7-on-7 drills, with no defensive linemen rushing the passer, interceptions are usually the consequence of poor reads or errant throws. Defensive backs came away with far more interceptions than expected, underscoring issues that the Browns coaching staff will need to address.
Monken did not single out any particular quarterback in his comments but the spotlight inevitably falls on the trio of Watson, Gabriel, and Sanders. Watson, an experienced former Pro Bowler, has yet to regain his peak form consistently since his tenure in Houston. Dillon Gabriel, a first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, showed promise as a rookie but has room to improve. Shedeur Sanders, an 11th overall pick in the 2026 draft, brings a strong college reputation and confidence but is still adjusting to the NFL pace. Taylen Green is an undrafted free agent who is viewed more as a development project.
Context and Expectations
Following a 7-10 finish and missing the playoffs for the second consecutive year in 2025, the Browns replaced Kevin Stefanski with Todd Monken as head coach. Monken arrived from Baltimore, where he earned a reputation as a precise and innovative offensive coordinator. He now carries the responsibility of guiding an offense loaded with talent but still underperforming.
The quarterback room represents both the biggest opportunity and challenge for Monken. With three quarterbacks who each have legitimate cases for the Week 1 starting job, competition is fierce but unresolved. Watson carries the contract and veteran status, Gabriel offers draft pedigree and flashes of high upside, and Sanders presents a compelling young option with high accuracy potential.
However, Tuesday's OTA session made clear that the competition is still in early stages and that fundamentals need reinforcement.
Analysis from Industry Experts
An NFL personnel evaluator noted, "If you throw picks in 7-on-7, you're not reading the defense correctly. That's a fundamentals and film issue. It's fixable, but it's also a red flag when it happens. You want your quarterbacks to be sharp from Day 1 of OTAs. There's no excuse for forcing throws when nobody is rushing you."
This evaluation emphasizes the urgency for Browns quarterbacks to clean up their decision-making swiftly, especially with the strong competition for the starting role.
Structure of the QB Competition
The Browns are unusually carrying five quarterbacks into OTAs, an indication that the coaching staff is still evaluating where each player fits. The presumed pecking order at the start of OTAs had Watson with the first team, Gabriel with the second, and Sanders with the third team, though these roles are fluid and performance-based.
Green remains a likely candidate for training camp or practice squad depth. The Browns also possess options to adjust their quarterback roster after the season, as Watson's contract carries possible salary cap implications.
Supporting the quarterbacks is a deep and talented receiving corps including Isaiah Bond, Malachi Corley, Jerry Jeudy, Cedric Tillman, and Tylan Wallace, complemented by tight end Harold Fannin Jr., a 2026 draft addition. The poor performance in OTAs represented a missed opportunity for the QBs to build chemistry with these weapons.
Monken's Background with Quarterbacks
Before assuming the Browns head coaching role, Monken spent two seasons as offensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens, where he notably worked on improving Lamar Jackson's passing mechanics and decision-making. He also served as Georgia Bulldogs' offensive coordinator, mentoring Stetson Bennett into a Heisman finalist and NFL draft pick.
Monken's coaching demeanor is known to be demanding and detail-oriented, making his public frustration a significant indicator of the gravity with which he views the quarterback situation.
Outlook and What's Next
While it is only late May, and training camp lies months ahead, Monken's candid remarks send a clear message: there is no room for complacency in Berea. The Browns' quarterbacks must raise their level of play immediately.
The team will continue OTAs followed by mandatory minicamp in June. Coaches Monken and Switzer will likely dedicate additional time in film sessions analyzing the interceptions and emphasizing proper reads and decision-making.
The defense, led by stars like Myles Garrett, Mason Graham, and a talented secondary including Denzel Ward and Tyson Campbell, performed well. Their ability to consistently pressure and cover opponents remains a strength.
As for the quarterbacks, the bar has been set high: clean up mistakes, sharpen reads, and compete at the highest level. With a crowded and talented room, only those who meet the standard will earn the starting nod.
"We threw interceptions in 7-on-7 for God's sakes. Who does that?"
That tough question from Todd Monken on May 21 is one that the Browns' quarterbacks must answer through hard work and improved execution in the weeks ahead. For a franchise desperate to solve the quarterback puzzle, the stakes could not be higher. The season is still months away, but for Cleveland, the work begins now.