After passing on a quarterback in the first two rounds of the 2016 NFL Draft, the Cleveland Browns finally tapped a future signal-caller in the third round.
The Browns selected quarterback Cody Kessler with the No. 93 overall pick Friday night.
The University of Southern California product was a surprise selection in the third round, as Cleveland passed on the likes of Connor Cook or Dak Prescott, who were ranked higher by most scouts.
Chronically maligned by USC fans, Kessler doesn't possess a strong physical presence, arm strength or pocket awareness.
What he lacks in size, the 6-foot-1 quarterback makes up with accuracy. Kessler never had a completion percentage lower than 65 percent in his three years as a starter at USC. He can run an offense and get through a progression well. Kessler will likely be labeled a "game manager" in the NFL.
All those positive attributes are likely what attracted coach Hue Jackson to Kessler. Jackson was able to coax the best years out of Andy Dalton in Cincinnati. Now Hue will have the chance to build Kessler from the ground up.
Robert Griffin III's gig as the Browns' starting quarterback for 2016 is safe. Kessler's future will be in the hands of Jackson's grooming, which provides some glimmer of hope the quarterback could be more than merely a long-term backup in the NFL.
