5. DeShone Kizer, quarterback, Cleveland Browns
Kizer might very well break the curse. Then again, he might just turn into one more name on the back of that darn jersey every Cleveland quarterback ends up gracing.
The Browns haven’t had a quarterback last more than four seasons as the starter since Tim Couch in the early 2000s. They haven’t had a quarterback even look like he might be the long-term answer since the days of Bernie Kosar, way back in the late 1980s and into the early 1990s.
Cleveland is where quarterabacks go do die.
At least we can say this for Kizer: He won’t face the same kind of pressure he would have if the Browns had taken him in the first round. But let’s face it, by his own account and the account of his college coach, Brian Kelly, the former Notre Dame quarterback isn’t ready for the NFL game.
Hopefully Hue Jackson can take his time (heck, we hope he has the time to take his time) with Kizer, who has the physical tools to be a successful NFL passer. But if we’re being honest, we just plain feel bad for any quarterback the Browns draft any more.
Making things worse is the Browns aren’t blessed to have a veteran they can lean on while Kizer develops. And if last year is any indication of what we can expect, Kizer will end up being thrust into action anyway during the 2017 season, because Cody Kessler is bound to get hurt.