NFL Notes: Browns, Rams, Redskins, Vikings

Browns

Browns QBs coach David Lee said second-round QB DeShone Kizer has “big-play ability” but stopped short of calling him their starting quarterback.

“Here’s the answer: it’s big-play ability,” Lee said, via Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer. “That’s what that dude’s going to give this football team if he ever becomes the starter one day, and we don’t know that yet, but the way his ball moves and jumps off his hand and gets to the receiver in a hurry. …That ball can get there faster if there’s a whole lot less time to break on it.”

Lee said Kizer is in the “mold” of Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger and Ravens QB Joe Flacco.

“And that’s what I see in him is a big, strong, guy which is defined in this division by Ben and by Joe Flacco, and this kid’s in that mold,” said Lee. “He’s 6-43/4; he’s got a 10-inch hand; he’s smart; he can run; he can move. He’s not Tyrod Taylor, but he can run and make plays. He’s got a great future. He’s just a long way from being ready. He’s not ready, but he’s climbing on it and he’s making progress.”

Rams

According to Alden Gonzalez of ESPN, the Rams want to wait until the end of the offseason program to determine if CB Trumaine Johnson is a fit for their team and whether they will pursue an extension.

Rams HC Sean McVay said Johnson can fit in “any scheme” due to his size and talent.

“(Johnson) fits any system,” McVay said. “You’re talking about a big corner who can run, he’s physical, he can tackle and he has great ball skills.”

Regarding an extension for DT Aaron Donald, McVay said he is a “dynamic” player and they are “optimistic” that a deal will get done.

“I sure hope so, because this guy’s a dynamic football player. We’re optimistic that something’s going to work out,” said McVay.

Redskins

• According to John Keim of ESPN, there is “no sense” that a long-term extension for QB Kirk Cousins is imminent and that may not change until closer to the July 15 deadline.
• Keim adds that it might take an offer that goes “above and beyond” Cousins’ leverage, given that he could demand a sizeable contract as a free agent.

Vikings

Vikings HC Mike Zimmer said second-round RB Dalvin Cook could be a “special” player for them.

“I think he’s got a chance to be special,” Zimmer said, via Ben Goessling of ESPN. “There was a play yesterday that, Xavier Rhodes is trying to catch him, and he’s hauling now. I just think this guy has got a chance to be pretty good. Now, he’s got some things he’s got to work on, like all young backs, but I’ve been very impressed with him this spring.”