Browns' Jackson defends Cody Kessler pick: 'You've got to trust me on this one'

Cleveland Browns head coach Hue Jackson is asking for some faith and patience with the surprising selection of former USC quarterback Cody Kessler in the third round.

With a handful of other more highly rated passers available Friday - including Connor Cook, Cardale Jones, and Dak Prescott - the Browns opted to take Kessler.

While it's unlikely Kessler will be anymore than a backup in 2016, with Robert Griffin III and Josh McCown ahead of him on the depth chart, the move was still met with criticism by fans and analysts.

"I understand where everybody's coming from, but you've got to trust me on this one," Jackson said of questions about taking Kessler too high, according to Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal. "This is a guy that we feel very comfortable with, and we feel he's going to have an opportunity to ascend."

"This young man has pinpoint accuracy, 88 touchdowns, 19 interceptions over three years, tremendous touchdown-to-interception ratio," Jackson said. "(He) knows how to play in a pro-style offense and has a lot of the characteristics that we look for in a quarterback. I think he has great poise, pocket presence. He works at the game. Comes early, stays late, he's everything that I think you look for in a quarterback. We're very excited about him."

Kessler lacks the physical traits of a franchise quarterback, standing at 6-foot-1 and 224 pounds. While he's an accurate passer, his lack of arm strength limits his ability to challenge teams deep and to make sideline throws that require top-notch velocity.

However, he shares some similar traits to Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton, who Jackson mentored for several seasons as his offensive coordinator, crafting one of the league's most reliable passing games.

If Kessler is given a shot to win the starting job, he's prepared to do whatever it takes to do so.

"Whether I come in and I'm a backup or get a chance to compete right away, I'm going to do everything I can to have the best opportunity I can because I do believe that I can play in this league," Kessler said. "I know that, and I'm excited for the opportunities and challenges that are ahead."