Cleveland Browns Grab Cody Kessler Over Connor Cook
By Erik Lambert
The mysterious fall of Connor Cook continues as the Cleveland Browns spurned him in favor of USC standout Cody Kessler in the 3rd round.
Hue Jackson made a rather puzzling pick here. His reputation has historically centered on bigger quarterbacks with strong arms. Instead the Browns opted to go with Kessler, who is just 6’1″ with a rather average arm. Perhaps there is something more to this than meets the eye. Cleveland needed another QB and they got one.
Here is what the Mocks scouting network had to say about what Kessler can do.
"“Impressive mental processing pre-snap as he diagnoses coverages and makes adjustments when necessary. Solid awareness after the snap, understanding when to navigate the pocket and when to fire off a quick pass. Possesses the play strength to throw with a defender in his face. Quick release with very good accuracy on short and intermediate passes, throwing his receivers open and maximizing yards after the catch. Solid athletic ability to extend the play when initial reads aren’t open. Keeps his eyes downfield and displays very good accuracy on the move. Very good decision maker, will throw the ball away or check-down rather than forcing a pass. This is especially true in the red zone, where he’s thrown 49 career touchdowns compared to just two interceptions when inside the opponent’s 20 yard line.Elite mental toughness, played through turnover and off-field distractions from both the offensive line and coaching staff. Won over 65 percent of his career starts despite playing for four different head coaches. In 2015 alone, took snaps from four different starting centers.”"
If nothing else, the Cleveland Browns further dampened the mood on Cook and brightened the life of Kessler, who many thought wouldn’t go before the 5th round. So one man’s bad day as the saying goes.