Throughout the 2016 NFL season, the Cleveland Browns struggled once again. As usual, the quarterback position was one of their biggest concerns. Since their 1999 return to the league, the Browns have been, for lack of a better word, a joke. Without a franchise option at quarterback, nothing has worked in Cleveland. But now, the Browns have three options going into next season. First off, they could stick with Cody Kessler. Secondly, they could make a trade for New England’s Jimmy Garoppolo. Finally, and this is perhaps the most interesting option, they could draft yet another quarterback. If the Browns want a quarterback with the 12th overall pick, they should select Notre Dame’s DeShone Kizer.
Cleveland Browns Should Draft DeShone Kizer
Tremendous Upside
One of the most important assets for a rookie quarterback to have is upside. Essentially, upside is a term for a player’s talent ceiling. And out of all the signal-callers in this draft class, DeShone Kizer has the most. Kizer’s ceiling, very simply, is through the roof. While he might be a bit of a risky pick (if his upside does not pan out), fans should trust Hue Jackson. Jackson is something of a wizard with quarterbacks, and he would probably love to work with Kizer.
If the Browns should pick Kizer in the first round, they should know that he will not be NFL-ready immediately. Developing Kizer might be a long road for the Browns, but Kessler can hold down the fort until then. Throwing a rookie quarterback into the fray too soon could be disastrous, and the Browns cannot afford another disaster. After all, it is the most important position in sports. DeShone Kizer has upside, it’s just a matter of how (and if) the Browns can tap into it.
Physical Attributes
Without a doubt, DeShone Kizer is the most AFC North-ready quarterback in this class. Standing at 6’4″ and weighing 234 pounds, Kizer is able to take hits. Even with Cleveland’s revamped offensive line, opposing pass rushers are bound to break through at some point. That’s just football. However, Kizer has the physical size to get away. A great quarterback makes his offensive line better (just look at Russell Wilson), and Kizer might have that ability.
Unlike his colleague Deshaun Watson, Kizer is ready to go in Cleveland. While playing at Notre Dame, he experienced cold weather like what he would see with the Browns. And despite his team’s 4-8 record last year, Kizer still shined. One player does not a good team make, even at quarterback. Kizer has the physical tools of a great AFC North quarterback, no doubt. Perhaps fans could see him battle it out with Joe Flacco, Ben Roethlisberger, and Andy Dalton in the coming years.
Arm Strength and Arm Talent
“Arm talent” is a term that scouts use a lot. In basic terms, it means that a certain quarterback can make NFL-level throws and is ready. Additionally, arm strength is important for any quarterback. Fortunately for DeShone Kizer, he has a deadly mix of both of these categories.
When looking at Kizer on film, his deep ball is one of the prettiest in the class. Almost reminiscent of a rookie RGIII, the ball comes down at just the right angle for receivers to run with it. In addition to the style of his deep throw, Kizer can flat out just fling the ball. Often, and perhaps too often, Kizer overshot his receivers at Notre Dame. While this can come off as a negative, it could also work in his favor. If Kizer has that kind of range with NFL receivers, that could lead to an explosive offensive unit. DeShone Kizer knows exactly where each and every throw needs to go, and he showed that during the season.
Conclusion and Pro Comparison
All things considered, DeShone Kizer is a bit of a risk for the Browns. Although he has incredible upside, he has a chance of being a total bust. For the Cleveland Browns, it comes down to the luck of the Fighting Irish. Should they choose to work with Kizer, they could find themselves in good graces with the football gods. If Hue Jackson can do his job with developing Kizer, we could see another Steve McNair: a great quarterback that, with the right weapons, could be great. Sure, DeShone Kizer might be a risk, but he should be a risk that the Browns are willing to take.
