Browns rumors: DeShone Kizer hopes to start in 2017

As the Cleveland Browns continue a search for a competent quarterback, DeShone Kizer is looking forward to an opportunity.

The No. 1 reason the Cleveland Browns have mostly floundered since coming back to the NFL in 1999 is a failure to find a quarterback. The most recent attempt came in last month’s draft, as they took DeShone Kizer in the second round (No. 52 overall)

Cody Kessler started eight games for the Browns as a rookie in 2016, and he has been declared the team’s starting quarterback by head coach Hue Jackson as offseason work gets going. Offseason acquisition Brock Osweiler and second-year man Kevin Hogan are also in the mix, and though Kizer may be brought along slowly there is an opportunity for him to play right away.

According to Aditi Kinkhabwala of NFL Network, Kizer is looking forward to competing for the starting job. Jackson praised Kizer during rookie camp, while also acknowledging an open competition for who will start Week 1.

Based on physical tools alone,  Kizer would be Cleveland’s starting quarterback right away. But with a new playbook to learn and getting used to playing under center far more, starting immediately may set him up to fail. Kessler is more ready to play right now, with one year in Jackson’s offense and a half-season of starts under his belt.

In short order, Kizer can easily become the best quarterback the Browns have. If a truly open competition for the starting job comes, beyond mere lip service from Jackson, it’s hard to see Kessler, Osweiler (if he’s not cut) or Hogan out-doing Kizer if he is allowed the opportunity to stand out.

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Even if he doesn’t start the season opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Kizer is virtually certain to start games as a rookie. The only question is how many, with a follow-up regarding what that means for how the season is going for the Browns.