The Browns acquired the pick from the Panthers in a trade of picks executed earlier in the round.
Kessler is the fifth player to be selected by the Browns in the 2016 NFL Draft. He joins Baylor wide receiver Corey Coleman (No. 15), Oklahoma State defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah (No. 32), Penn State defensive end Carl Nassib (No. 65) and Auburn offensive tackle Shon Coleman (No. 76) as the newest Brown.
Kessler was a three-year starter at USC, throwing for 10,339 yards and 88 touchdowns compared to 19 interceptions.