Dillon Gabriel fires back at NFL scouts questioning his height

Dillon Gabriel, a Heisman 2024 finalist, is partly attributed to the heavy success and almost invincible record 13-1 of Oregon Ducks

Dillon Gabriel fires back at NFL scouts questioning his height

Dillon Gabriel (Image via X/Open Source)

The NFL Draft 2025 is right around the corner with the NFL Combine taking place at Indianapolis, Indiana. The teams are in hunt for their new talent looking for the best fit who can take their team to great heights.

Dillon Gabriel may not fit the traditional mold of an NFL franchise quarterback at 5-foot-11 and 202 pounds, but he believes his record-breaking college career proves he can succeed at the next level. The former Oregon quarterback set the NCAA record for total touchdowns and finished second in Division I history for passing yards, giving him the confidence to make the leap to the NFL.

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Dillon Gabriel, in a recent media sit-in, admitted that he understands he won’t fit into the systems of all the teams. also confessed that he doesn’t want to be like anyone else either.

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For me, every team that I met with that I feel really good about have voiced to me that they don’t give a rip about it. They value me for the right things, and that’s decision making, efficiency, accuracy, all things that translate. And to be quite honest, all the guys that have done it have been just fine. To each their own. I’m not for everyone, but I don’t want to be like anyone else either, so that works in my favor.

Dillon Gabriel said

Shorter quarterbacks have historically faced skepticism in the NFL. This criticism is despite the likes of Russell Wilson and Drew Brees finding success despite being under six feet tall. Gabriel understands he has more to prove, which is why, unlike top draft prospects Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward, he has opted to participate in quarterback drills at the Combine.

Dillon Gabriel takes a learning mentality into the new year

Dillon Gabriel’s extensive experience and track record of success set him apart as an NFL prospect. Having been a starting quarterback since high school, he accumulated an impressive 63 career starts across six years of college football at Central Florida, Oklahoma, and Oregon.

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Dillon Gabriel (Image via Forbes)

With a final college record of 46-17, he demonstrated consistency, resilience, and the ability to win at the highest level. His standout performances culminated in a Heisman Trophy finalist nomination in his final season, solidifying his reputation as a top-tier quarterback.

Beyond his statistics, Gabriel takes pride in his deep understanding of the quarterback position. His years of experience have shaped his confidence and approach to the game.

I think I’ve learned as I’ve gotten older that I’ve been built for the position. I’ve played it my whole life, so it’s something I know very well. I’m a winner. I’ve won at all three spots, have done it in big games, and everything in between.

Dillon Gabriel said.

Despite his vast experience, he remains eager to grow as he transitions to the NFL.

“I’m a learner. I know I won’t know everything going into the NFL, but I’m eager to learn. There’s still a lot of room for growth,” he added.

In his final season at Oregon, Gabriel led the Oregon Ducks to a remarkable 13-1 record, completing 73% of his passes for 3,857 yards, 30 touchdowns, and just six interceptions. As he prepares for the NFL Draft, he hopes teams recognize not only his physical abilities but also his leadership, experience, and winning mentality, factors that make him a strong candidate for the next level.