Dorian Thompson-Robinson, or “DTR” as fans call him, is no stranger to the spotlight. A high school standout from Las Vegas and a record-breaking quarterback at UCLA, he entered the NFL with the Cleveland Browns in 2023 carrying big expectations. Fast forward to March 11, 2025, and the 25-year-old’s pro career is a mix of promise, setbacks, and unanswered questions. Cleveland fans, starved for a reliable quarterback, are wondering: Can DTR rise above his rocky start and become the savior the Browns desperately need?
A Star in the Making
Before he ever donned a Browns jersey, Thompson-Robinson was a force at UCLA. Over five seasons with the Bruins, he threw for more than 10,000 yards and racked up over 100 total touchdowns, dazzling with both his arm and his legs. His 2019 performance against Washington State—where he piled up 564 yards in a wild 67-63 comeback—remains a testament to his playmaking ability. By his final college season in 2022, he’d earned a reputation as a dynamic leader, finishing with a completion rate near 70% and cementing his status as a top Pac-12 talent.
That resume made him an intriguing pick for Cleveland in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft. At 6’2” and 203 pounds, he brought athleticism and versatility to a Browns team looking to bolster its quarterback depth behind Deshaun Watson.
A Bumpy NFL Ride
The NFL, however, has been a tough proving ground for DTR. His rookie year in 2023 saw him play in eight games, including three starts, but his numbers were shaky—completing just over half his passes for 440 yards, with one touchdown and four interceptions. Injuries, like a concussion and a hip issue, didn’t help, cutting into his development time.
The 2024 season has been even more chaotic. With Watson sidelined by a torn Achilles and backup Jameis Winston nursing a shoulder injury, Thompson-Robinson has been thrust into the starting role for five games. Yet, his stats remain a concern: across 15 career games, he’s thrown for 880 yards, one touchdown, and 10 interceptions, with a dismal 45.2 passer rating. His yards per attempt (3.9) is among the lowest in NFL history for quarterbacks with significant playing time, a stat that took a further hit after a rough outing against the Miami Dolphins in late 2024.
Why the Struggle?
So, what’s gone wrong? For one, Thompson-Robinson’s slight build has made him prone to injuries, a problem that followed him from college to the pros. His tendency to hang onto the ball too long has led to sacks—five in a single game against the Bengals in December 2024—and turnovers. Add in an inconsistent Browns offensive line and a lack of tailored playcalling, and it’s clear DTR hasn’t been set up for success.
Context matters, too. The Browns didn’t expect him to start so soon; he was meant to develop behind Watson. But with Cleveland’s quarterback room plagued by injuries and a 3-13 record in 2024, DTR has been thrown into the deep end with little support. For a young quarterback still learning the ropes, it’s been a trial by fire.
Signs of Hope
Despite the challenges, there’s reason to believe Thompson-Robinson isn’t a lost cause. His athleticism shines through—he’s rushed for over 300 yards in his NFL career, including a standout 49-yard effort against Cincinnati. Coaches and teammates rave about his dedication, with Kevin Stefanski praising his growth in grasping the complexities of the position. In the 2023 preseason, he outperformed other contenders to earn the backup job, offering a glimpse of the electrifying player he could become.
DTR’s grit is undeniable. After a tough loss to the Bengals in December 2024, he brushed off concerns about a calf injury, saying, “I’m out there every game, every practice, every meeting—I’m not sitting out.” That kind of determination could be the spark Cleveland needs.
What’s Next for DTR and the Browns?
As the 2024 season nears its end, the Browns face a crossroads. With Watson’s recovery uncertain and Winston’s health in question, Thompson-Robinson has a chance to make his case in the final games. If he can cut down on turnovers, make quicker decisions, and lead the offense effectively, he might convince the front office to give him a longer look.
But the stakes are high. Cleveland’s likely high draft pick in 2025 could tempt them to chase a new quarterback, potentially pushing DTR to the sidelines or out the door. For a fanbase tired of quarterback carousel rides, the pressure is on Thompson-Robinson to show he’s more than just potential.
A Cleveland Comeback Story?
Dorian Thompson-Robinson’s NFL journey is far from over. He’s a talented athlete caught in a storm of injuries, inexperience, and team dysfunction. Browns fans have seen the lows—interceptions, sacks, and losses—but they’ve also caught flashes of the highs: scrambles, clutch throws, and a refusal to quit.
Can DTR unlock his full potential and bring stability to Cleveland’s quarterback woes? The answer lies in his ability to grow, adapt, and seize the moment. As he takes the field in the weeks ahead, Thompson-Robinson has a chance to turn his Browns tenure from a question mark into an exclamation point. For a city hungry for hope, that’s a story worth rooting for.
