Rookie highlights: DeShone Kizer, Cleveland Browns quarterback
Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback DeShone Kizer may be one of the more raw prospects at QB coming out, but he’s also one of the most talented…
Just one year after taking Cody Kessler in the third round, the Cleveland Browns maneuvered around the draft in 2017 and eventually wound up using a second round pick on DeShone Kizer out of Notre Dame.
Kizer wasn’t necessarily thought of as the most refined prospect at quarterback in this year’s draft class, but some feel like he showed the most translatable skillset to the next level of any of the quarterbacks in this year’s class.
That opinion was certainly not unanimous, but there’s definitely a lot of talent in the 6-4, 233 pound frame this kid has. Kizer has the arm strength, mobility, and intelligence to be a starter in the NFL, but how quickly can he adapt his skills to the speed of the pros?
When you watch a highlight reel of Kizer’s time at Notre Dame, it’s easy to wonder why he wasn’t a first round pick. For my money, NFL teams should be looking to project the best they can get out of a guy at the next level, and trust in the coaching staff the have hired to develop players correctly.
Kizer’s ceiling is virtually unlimited, but because of his inconsistency at Notre Dame (even to the point of getting benched at one point last season…), he was a mid-second round draft pick.
Perhaps rightfully so.
Kizer’s ability to adapt quickly could result in him earning playing time sooner than many thought.
The Browns seem to be infatuated with the potential they have in this kid, and they want him to come in and earn the starting job sooner than later. That should come as no surprise, but is it as crazy as it sounds?
Next: 2018 NFL Mock Draft Update
Cleveland’s primary investments in free agency were along the offensive line. They brought in J.C. Tretter at center and Kevin Zeitler at guard to go along with Joe Thomas and Joel Bitonio, and Cameron Erving is another former first round pick getting a shot at right tackle.
Corey Coleman is coming back from injury, and the Browns signed Kenny Britt to be their no. 1 receiver. They also drafted ultra-athletic tight end David Njoku.
I like what the Browns are putting together, especially around a young quarterback. They may still be a few pieces and a couple of years away, but the progress they make with Hue Jackson as the head coach will be a blast to watch.