With training camp looming, team depth charts are finally starting to come together. Very early rosters are ready for training camp later this month. So, what might these early rosters look like for the Cleveland Browns? This series will examine who has the best chances to start come August and the preseason. For this edition, we will look at the Browns quarterback depth chart.
Cleveland Browns Quarterback Depth Chart Projections
1. Cody Kessler
When Hue Jackson took USC’s Cody Kessler in the 2016 draft’s third round, many fans weren’t expecting much. However, Jackson told fans to “just trust me on this one” and for that, they were rewarded. Out of the quartet of quarterbacks the Browns used last season, Kessler was by far the best. While the title of “Best Browns Quarterback” isn’t exactly the greatest NFL accolade, it still counts for something. And Kessler really shined during last season, even if he went 0-8 in his starts. Truthfully, Kessler looks much improved for his upcoming sophomore NFL season. When the season starts, he should absolutely the starter.
Conclusion: If he can bring his tremendous college accuracy to the pros this year, Cody Kessler could be something special.
2. DeShone Kizer
Now this…this is where things start to get dicey between Browns quarterbacks. Truthfully, the backup spot could go to one of two players. However, people love the unknown. And thus, rookie DeShone Kizer takes this spot for now. As a Browns quarterback, Kizer has all the physical tools to play in Cleveland. While his college inconsistency is absolutely a problem, Hue Jackson should be able to remedy that with a bit of quarterback magic. This particular Browns regime is adamant about taking smart, capable players. They wouldn’t have chosen Kizer above the rest if they didn’t fully believe in him.
Conclusion: DeShone Kizer is an X-factor that the Browns staff simply cannot ignore going into this season.
3. Brock Osweiler
Brock Osweiler is the other quarterback who could realistically take the backup spot, or possibly even the starter spot. If Kessler turns out to be truly injury-prone, Osweiler or Kessler could easily be coming for his job. Right now though, Osweiler goes below Kizer because, again, people love the unknown. Realistically, he could be above Kizer by the time the season starts. It’s rare that the middle of a quarterback depth chart is so interesting. However, this is the Browns quarterback depth chart we’re referring to. So really, anything can happen.
Conclusion: Especially due to his over-inflated contract, Brock Osweiler could be a great asset and might also be vying for the starting job.
4. Kevin Hogan
If Kevin Hogan makes the main roster, he will absolutely be the fourth man. That’s not to say that he’s not talented. Hogan did show flashes at points last year, during his very limited playing time, including the longest run by a Browns quarterback ever. However, he’s nothing more than a successful backup on any NFL roster, let alone one with as much hope as the current Browns roster. With Hogan’s skillset, he could be a viable third man, but Brock Osweiler still deserves a chance.
Conclusion: While Kevin Hogan is definitely talented (he is in the NFL), there are three better quarterbacks on the Browns roster.
