Cleveland Browns starting QB job is there for DeShone Kizer’s taking
Cody Kessler may enter OTAs as the Cleveland Browns starting QB, but the job is there for the taking for second-round pick DeShone Kizer.
Remember what Hue Jackson said during rookie mini camp regarding his starting quarterback situation, via ESPN Cleveland.
"“This [starting job] is open. It really is.”"
If Kizer’s going to shock the football world and become the Browns Week 1 starter, he’s going to have to unseat Cody Kessler. While Jackson said the job is open for the taking, he said Kessler will start OTAs as the starter. If someone wants the job, they’re going to have to take it from the 2016 third-round pick.
Kessler was 0-8 and suffered two concussions during his rookie season. He’s accurate and accustomed to the offense, but his career trajectory appears that of a good backup.
Kizer’s physical tools should be enough to boost his favorably among coaches during OTAs and Training Camp when he won’t be under a pass rush. The shorts and helmet sessions highlight the abilities of big, strong armed quarterbacks, such as Kizer.
Granted, he will also have to make play in the preseason to wrestle the job away from Kessler, but there’s no reason to believe he can’t do it.
His biggest obstacle at this point may be taking command of the huddle.
It may sound kind of simple, but remember, Kizer didn’t call plays in college. He and his Irish teammates lined up, looked at the sideline for a play, and then ran it. Kizer needs to familiarize himself with Jackson’s terminology and then get comfortable relaying that information to teammates, via Cleveland.com.
"“You have to be able to say the plays in the huddle before you can actually do anything,” Kizer said. “This is going to be the biggest transition for me … just to be able to go in there and command the huddle is the first thing on my agenda.”"
Some will advocate sitting and learning as the more successful model for an NFL quarterback, but there’s also something to be said about live reps, and preparing to start each week.
https://twitter.com/clevezirm/status/863131786708230144
Jackson knows this, which is why I thought these comments signal good news for Kizer, should the Toledo native have his sights set on opening the 2017 season as the Week 1 starter, via ESPN Cleveland.
"“The only way to get better is to get reps. I have been through this before a few times. We will get these guys reps,” Jackson said."
The Browns did the right thing listing Kessler as their “starter,” even though another quarterback competition is about descend on Berea. It’s a good thing, because it presents Kizer with his first professional challenge. If he wants to play, he’s got to be god enough to take the time away from someone else.
Will Kizer start Week 1? Unless he just absolutely blows Jackson away in the preseason, it’s not likely. The Browns will probably be happy to roll out Kessler, who has the most experience in the offense.
But being the Browns, we’re going to see Kizer at some point. Considering injures and the Osweiler factor–whatever that actually is– I think it’s a good bet we’ll see Kizer after the Bye Week, which comes in Week 9.
Next: 5 Browns in danger of losing starting jobs in 2017
The Browns will likely be struggling again, so they’ll be in a position to tenter the 2018 NFL Draft with another high pick. With eight weeks left in the season, they’ll have enough time to gauge Kizer’s longtime viability as an NFL starter.