Irish QB Kizer lands in Cleveland
The Browns’ never- ending search for a franchise quarterback brought them to Notre Dame’s DeShone Kizer.
After passing on quarterbacks in the first round, Cleveland selected Kizer in the second round with the No. 52 overall pick. The 6- 4, 233- pound Kizer struggled last season for the Fighting Irish, but the Browns are intrigued with his size, arm and upside.
The Browns have started 26 quarterbacks since 1999, when they returned as an expansion team. Their inability to find a long- term answer at QB has been the single biggest reason for years of ineptitude.
Kizer, who left college after his junior season, might not be the future at Cleveland, but he at least gives coach Hue Jackson another option next season along with Brock Osweiler, Cody Kessler and Kevin Hogan.
Bengals take chance on RB Mixon
Oklahoma running back Joe Mixon is headed to Cincinnati, which added to its reputation for taking chances on players with significant off- field issues.
The Bengals traded down in the second round on Friday and took Mixon with the 48th overall pick, putting them back in the spotlight as a place known for giving second and third chances.
The 5- 10 running back was one of the top players available at his position, but teams were wary because of his history. Mixon was suspended for his freshman season after punching a female student and breaking bones in her face.
Packers get help on defense
The Packers finally made a pick, taking Washington cornerback Kevin King with the first selection of the second round to fill a big need on defense.
The 6- 3 King adds size and speed to a secondary that was burned in the passing game and maligned by injuries.
The Packers traded the 29th overall pick in the first round on to Cleveland for the 33rd overall pick to take King, as well as first pick of the fourth round on Saturday, the 108th overall.
Vikings move up to get RB Cook
The Vikings traded up seven spots in the second round to draft Florida State running back Dalvin Cook with the 41st overall pick.
The Vikings sent one of their fourth- round selections, No. 128 overall, to Cincinnati.
The 5- 11, 213- pound Cook was a first team All- American last season as a junior and totaled 38 touchdowns over the last two years for the Seminoles.
Lions get another Gator
The Lions selected their secondstraight Florida Gator, taking cornerback Jalen Tabor in the second round with the No. 53 overall pick.
The Lions also addressed a need Thursday by using the No. 21 pick on Florida linebacker Jarrad Davis, who can play against the run or the pass, after releasing injury- prone linebacker DeAndre Levy.
Illinois DE Smoot goes to Jags
The Jaguars selected Illinois defensive end Dawuane Smoot with the 68th overall pick.