2017 NFL Draft: Cleveland Browns final grade
DeShone Kizer
Quarterback, Notre Dame
This may be the pick that changes the landscape of the Browns franchise for years to come. The Browns have a quarterback with arguably the highest upside in the class, and excels from a traits standpoint.
Mitch Trubisky was the first quarterback gone, but he has flaws, especially dealing with pressure. The only way to learn how to deal with pressure is to play, and as he is expected to ride the bench behind Mike Glennon, that’s not sound logic. Patrick Mahomes is likely to see the bench as well. DeShaun Watson is in a place to win right away, but his physical skill set gives him the lowest ceiling of the three quarterbacks. All three quarterbacks saw a heavy haul of future picks moved around for their respective teams to acquire them. The Browns sat back, played it cool and found a quarterback with just as many questions and a higher ceiling.
Kizer is a big-armed quarterback with decent athleticism and pro footwork. His best work comes under pressure and in the red zone, which is extremely encouraging. His timing and anticipation could use some work, and there are times he releases the ball at the wrong time, causing inaccuracy. The flaws in his game are easy to work on, and a quarterback coach like Hue Jackson should be able to get him on the field before the end of this season. Did the Browns just build a team in the first round with foundation players and then find their foundation quarterback in the second round behind it? This could be so and could give the Browns a legendary draft haul.