Cody Kessler picked by Browns in third round of 2016 NFL Draft

The Cleveland Browns selected USC quarterback Cody Kessler in the third round of the 2016 NFL draft with the 93rd pick overall.

USC quarterback Cody Kessler is a Brown.

Kessler was selected by the Cleveland Browns with the 93rd pick overall in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft.

With top-level accuracy and a penchant for protecting the football, Kessler projects as a reliable NFL quarterback albeit with a limited ceiling. His lack of arm strength certainly puts a damper on his expectations but in a system that doesn’t require him to do more than manage the offense he could surprise.

As a third round selection, Kessler should have time to learn an offense thoroughly as a back up before being expected to carry the load as a starter though the Browns’ tenuous quarterback situation could open the door for him to challenge for the role. Cleveland signed former Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III this offseason.

At USC, Kessler won the starting job two games into the 2013 season. That year he became a steady performer, guiding the Trojans through the difficult period after Lane Kiffin’s firing. In 14 games he threw for 2,968 yards and 20 touchdowns with just seven interceptions.

Kessler took a step up in 2014, thriving in Steve Sarkisian’s system en route to an All-Pac-12 honorable mention. He set and challenged single-season USC records with 3,826 yards and 39 touchdowns to five interceptions in the most efficient season by a Trojan quarterback ever.

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On the back of that stellar season, Kessler garnered Heisman hype entering the 2015 season. However, the year did not go as planned with another head coach fired and Kessler’s own play dipping.

Still, the ever-stable Kessler put up 3,536 yards, 29 touchdowns and seven interceptions in a down season.

In total, Kessler finished with a 27-14 record as a starter and stands third among USC quarterbacks in touchdown passes and completions. He is also fourth in passing yardage and total offense.

Kessler followed Su’a Cravens and Max Tuerk as Trojan draft picks in 2016. Cravens was selected by the Washington Redskins in the second round and Tuerk was picked by the San Diego Chargers in the third round.