Meet quarterback Cody Kessler, the newest member of the Jacksonville Jaguars
By Kathy Clark
The Jacksonville Jaguars traded a conditional 2019 seventh-round draft choice to the Cleveland Browns for quarterback Cody Kessler. This solved the problem of only one quarterback on the 2018 Jaguars roster.
The quarterback position continues to be an issue for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Blake Bortles received a contract extension and a lukewarm vote of confidence from coaches and management. Chad Henne moved to another team. Also, the Jaguars number 29 draft choice is unlikely to produce a franchise quarterback. Therefore the Jaguars looked for a backup quarterback with NFL experience. Cody Kessler joined the Jaguars team on Wednesday.
Kessler was a 2016 third round draft choice of the Cleveland Browns. He was 6’ 1’’ and 220 pounds at that time. He started for the University of Southern California for three years. During his college career, Kessler was honorable mention all conference. In addition, Kessler didn’t turn the ball over and compiled a 67.5 completion percentage.
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Kessler’s draft report contained the following positive information: first his accuracy was pro quality. Also he had a good sense of running an offense. Finally, Kessler threw very well from a secure pocket. The negatives were as follows: to begin, he is shorter than many NFL teams prefer. Next, Kessler has jittery feet and is less accurate behind a collapsing pocket. Finally, Kessler is not a risk taker. This might make him an ideal backup.
Kessler played for the Cleveland Browns for two years. He started both seasons as the third string quarterback. In 2016, the QB passed for 1,380 yards, and also had 6 touchdowns and only 2 interceptions. Kessler played very little in 2017, and passed for 126 yards with 1 interception.
To conclude, Cody Kessler was a solid college quarterback who hasn’t played much in the NFL. His stats, draft report and record indicate a potential solid backup for Blake Bortles.