Cleveland Browns: 5 surprises from Preseason Week 2 depth chart

2. DeShone Kizer QB 3

Despite a great preseason debut, rookie DeShone Kizer is third on the depth chart–the same place he was entering the opener against the Saints.

All of this may mean nothing, because Hue Jackson may come out today or tomorrow and name Kizer his starter.

If he’s not named starter, then there’s reason to ask questions.

This isn’t about elevating Kizer to the starter position before he’s ready, but more about rewarding the kid for passing his first test.

He played against third stringers and players who aren’t likely to be in the NFL when the regular season commences. But if that’s the case, could the argument be made that Kizer passed that test and he’s deserving of being at least No. 2, ahead of Cody Kessler.

Besides, Kessler seems to distance himself from the starting job day-by-day. Elevating the Notre Dame product would’ve given Kizer the chance to play against better talent on the other side of the ball.

Jackson could always scrap the depth chart, because Kizer’s been working with the first team ever since his preseason breakout performance.

Tuesday’s practice was a good indication of that, with Kizer stepping in front of Kessler to take first-team reps during the Browns’ non-padded practice. ESPN Cleveland’s Tony Grossi noted how Jackson used his quarterbacks.

"In team drills, Osweiler took three reps and was followed by Kizer, who took one. Kessler then came in and took three. Previously, Kessler directly followed Osweiler and Kizer was third. Jackson downplayed that shift in the rotation, of course, but every little change is under scrutiny by the news-hungry media."

Either way, Kizer’s going to play a lot Monday night, where he’ll be confronted with another test: Playing consistenly in back-to-back games.