Browns ♥ Brock: Embattled QB draws praise in Cleveland

Being hailed as the Browns’ best quarterback historically has been akin to being named Nickelback’s best song. But Brock Osweiler will take it.

The former Bronco and Texan reportedly is turning heads at Browns OTAs, where the hype is building that the 6-foot7, monumental Houston bust can be redeemed.

Each practice brings a new compliment for the quarterback the Texans made a $72 million man, who bombed his way out of Houston, getting flipped to Cleveland this offseason so the Browns could add draft picks as sweetener for absorbing the salary.

First it was Browns coach Hue Jackson saying last week that Osweiler has played “outstanding,” a term t he 26 -ye a r - ol d likely hasn’t heard since he capably filled in for Peyton Manning with Denver late in the 2015 season.

“Since he’s been here, he’s been outstanding,” Jackson told reporters on May 31. “I don’t judge people by what everybody else says, I judge them by what I see. … The guy’s been outstanding in our building and that’s what’s most important.”

Reporters gleaning what they could from Browns practice backed Jackson’s praise, with one Cleveland writer saying Osweiler has been the best quarterback “by a bunch.”

On Wednesday morning, ESPN’s Adam Schefter passed along that Osweiler has “impressed,” and an anonymous player said he wouldn’t be surprised if Osweiler won the job.

This all can be construed a few ways: 1) Osweiler looks good; 2) Osweiler merely looks better than secondyear QB Cody Kessler and ro oki e DeShone Kizer, which seems reasonable; 3) Cleveland is building hype and trade value in perhaps looking to recoup another pick or ease its cap hit by flipping Osweiler, who will rake in $19 million this year.

Whatever the reality is, Osweiler has his own. He already has displayed why he isa starting quarter back in the league, perhaps ignoring his 15 touchdowns and 16 interceptions last season.