Cody Kessler wins the first round of the Cleveland Browns quarterback battle. That isn't a shocking development to those familiar with the situation. He showed plenty of promise last year and is the quarterback most familiar with Hue Jackson's system and playbook right now. But it's also an indication that the team may be willing to open the year with the concussion-laden quarterback leading the team out of the tunnel.
Kessler opens camp as top dog
When Hue Jackson gave his press conference to open training camp, he nipped the quarterback controversy right in the butt.
He claimed that Kessler "deserved" to be the man to take first-team snaps with the Browns, for now at least. That's the way OTAs began last season as well, so it's little surprise to see that consistency carry over from one offseason activity to the next.
He was drafted by the Browns in the third round during the 2016 NFL Draft. He started the season behind Josh McCown and Robert Griffin III on the depth chart, but was thrust into the starter's role by the end of September. He played decently, but struggled with fumbles and concussions, suffering multiple of the latter. In eight starts, he completed 128 of 195 passes for 1,380 yards, six touchdowns, and just two interceptions. But Kessler failed to lead the team to a single victory as a starter, losing all eight contests.
Other QB options for Cleveland
While Kessler opens camp as the starter, he may not end it that way. During minicamp, he actually split first team reps with Kevin Hogan. He made four appearances with the Browns after being released by the Kansas City Chiefs during his rookie year. He threw two picks, but showed some potential on the ground, rushing for over 100 yards.
His job may be most in jeopardy due to the presence of rookie quarterback DeShone Kizer, who Cleveland drafted in the the second round this year, with hopes that he would be the team's quarterback of the future.
Then, there's Brock Osweiler. The team initially acquired him to solve some contractual issues with the hopes of trading him shortly afterwards.
That hasn't happened yet though, suggesting that Osweiler may be spending his year on the Browns roster. He showed enough promise with the Denver Broncos to earn a lucrative contract from the Houston Texans, but bombed during his only year with the team. If he can recapture some of the old potential that made him Peyton Manning's heir apparent, Kessler will be forced to watch him from the sidelines.
