Cleveland Browns 2017 NFL Draft: Rounds 2 and 3 recap

The Cleveland Browns were one of the busier teams during the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft. Day 2 brought some more excitement.

After Day 1 of the NFL Draft was over, the Cleveland Browns had still not addressed what has been perpetually their biggest need, a quarterback. Cleveland traded out of the No. 12 with the Houston Texans, snaring the Texans No. 25 overall pick along with their first-round selection next season.

They then traded back into the first round using their No. 33 and the No.108 pick to get to No. 29. With three first-round picks they had still not selected a quarterback, instead opting for Myles Garrett at No. 1 overall, Jabrill Peppers at No. 25, and David Njoku at No. 29.

Cleveland started out the day by releasing veteran tight end Gary Barnidge, who was deemed expendable due to the Njoku pick. Many questioned why the Browns would not only release Barnidge, but also the timing of the announcement.

While he could have served as a good mentor while providing leadership, a team that is in full rebuild mode wants a younger locker room. As for the timing of the move, it may have been out of respect the organization has for Barnidge.

By announcing his release before the start of Day 2, teams that may have been in the market for a tight end could pass on drafting for one knowing Barnidge is now available as a free agent.

Round Two, Pick No. 52: DeShone Kizer

There was a lot of speculation the Browns would continue their wheeling and dealing ways on Day 2. This did not come to be as the team stayed put at pick No. 52 in the second round. Letting the Draft fall to them netted them a quarterback, one whom many think was the player Cleveland coveted the most. Notre Dame’s DeShone Kizer now joins Cody Kessler, Brock Osweiler and Kevin Hogan in the Browns’ QB room.

Kizer saw his Draft stock plummet as Notre Dame had a miserable season in which the team won only four games. This is not all on Kizer, however, he did regress from the previous season in terms of success.

Related: Browns select DeShone Kizer

Kizer has the measurables you want in an NFL QB, especially one playing in the AFC North. He stands 6-foot-4 and weighs 233 pounds. Having played in South Bend he is used to throwing in some adverse weather conditions, which are known to plague the division later in the NFL season.

Kizer threw for 26 touchdowns and nine interceptions in his junior season, while he also contributed eight touchdowns on the ground. The Fighting Irish’s head coach, Brian Kelly, said he thought Kizer should come back to school to play out his senior season, creating more scrutiny for the junior quarterback.

Heading into the 2016 college football season Kizer was highly regarded. He was not just considered a first-round selection, but also as a possible first overall pick. The fall from grace that he experienced this past year and leading up to the Draft should put a chip on his shoulder.

He will not have to be the Browns opening day starter as Kessler or Osweiler are capable of shouldering the load, thus Kizer can sit and learn. A year as a clipboard holder and practicing with an NFL team should prove to be the best situation for him to help fulfill his potential. Not being pressured into resurrecting the franchise will help erase the rough season he just went through in college.

Here is what NFL Network’s Mike Mayock said about Kizer:

"“In 23 starts, what I saw this year, was that when the game got into the fourth quarter and the pressure got on, I thought he played his worst football because I think he was trying to do much. What I’d like to see happen is no pressure. They’re gonna expect him to come in and compete. … But I’d love to see him have a chance to be in a really good quarterback room, take his time and learn how to play this game.” “In 23 starts, what I saw this year, was that when the game got into the fourth quarter and the pressure got on, I thought he played his worst football because I think he was trying to do much. What I’d like to see happen is no pressure. They’re gonna expect him to come in and compete. … But I’d love to see him have a chance to be in a really good quarterback room, take his time and learn how to play this game.”"

Despite this Browns head coach Hue Jackson has said Kizer will come to camp and compete immediately:

"“We’re going to give all our guys an opportunity to compete,” Jackson said, via the The Plain Dealer. “That’s what it’s all about. It’s not about who is the starter, who is this. Let’s let these guys get here and learn our offense and spend time with myself and (quarterback coach David) Lee and go out on the field and let’s see how it all turns out.”“We’re going to give all our guys an opportunity to compete,” Jackson said, via the The Plain Dealer. “That’s what it’s all about. It’s not about who is the starter, who is this. Let’s let these guys get here and learn our offense and spend time with myself and (quarterback coach David) Lee and go out on the field and let’s see how it all turns out.”"

Although Jackson may be saying this, one would think it’s only to quell any speculation about picking Kizer while also having him entering the organization with the right mindset.

Round Three, Pick No. 65: Larry Ogunjobi

In the third round at pick No. 65, Cleveland put their focus back on the defense selecting N.C. Charlotte’s defensive tackle, Olumide “Larry” Ogunjobi. While he isn’t a household name, mainly due to the fact he played for a small school (he is the first player from Charlotte ever to be picked in the NFL Draft), Ogunjobi shows the raw ability and tools that could make him a force on the Browns defensive line.

Related: Browns select Larry Ogunjobi

He will probably be asked to play the 3-technique in Gregg Williams 4-3 defense with Danny Shelton playing the nose. With the way Williams is constantly switching things during the course of the game, the two tackles could be interchangeable, therefore creating confusion for opposing offensive lines.

Ogunjobi is of Nigerian descent and did not start playing football until his sophomore season of high school. At 6-foot-3 and 305 pounds he has the size to play inside in the 4-3, and when watching him play he has good explosion for the position. As a senior, Ogunjobi was named to the first-team All-Conference USA team. He compiled 65 tackles, 13.5 for loss and added 3 sacks.

As per NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein, Ogunjobi has the skills but needs the right scheme:

"Watching Ogunjobi play is like watching a more raw version of Sheldon Rankins and with a little less efficiency of movement. Like Rankins, Ogunjabi uses leverage, quickness, and strong hands to counter his average size. Size and below-average length will work against him for some teams, but others who covet disruptive defensive tackles who can play in the backfield and generate some pressure will be studying him closely. Has starting NFL potential.Watching Ogunjobi play is like watching a more raw version of Sheldon Rankins and with a little less efficiency of movement. Like Rankins, Ogunjabi uses leverage, quickness, and strong hands to counter his average size. Size and below-average length will work against him for some teams, but others who covet disruptive defensive tackles who can play in the backfield and generate some pressure will be studying him closely. Has starting NFL potential."

Next: Grading Thursday's first-round selections

As day three approaches the Browns have three fifth-round picks and two sixth-round selections. With five picks remaining expect the team to use them to focus on needs and depth.