For nearly two decades, the Cleveland Browns have struggled to find a quarterback that can be the long-term solution at the position.

The Browns had added a potential answer to that issue with former Notre Dame quarterback DeShone Kizer with the 52nd overall pick in the second round of this year's NFL Draft. In light of that, All-Pro offensive lineman Joe Thomas stated earlier this week that he believes Kizer isn't ready to handle the starting job just yet, according to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com.

To be honest, I don't think DeShone will be the starter in Week 1,” Thomas said in his podium interview before practice. “It is a competition, but I would expect Brock to win because of his experience. And a rookie quarterback is the hardest position to get ready to play in your first year.

“So there's no doubt he could win the competition. I definitely would expect probably Brock to win it just because my personal philosophy is as a quarterback it takes at least two or three years to have a basic level of understanding of NFL defenses and offenses to be able to operate proficiently out there on the field, especially in Week 1.”

At that same token, Thomas did also voice that he believes Kizer could be a solid starting quarterback but doesn't believe throwing him in the fire when he is not ready is the right approach to take. In essence, it sets him up for failure before he even has a chance to develop into a capable quarterback in the NFL.

There is much credence to what Thomas' stance given that he's played with 18 different starting quarterbacks throughout his career with the Browns. He has seen it plenty times where things have gone south quickly because of the mismanagement of the situation.

For what it's worth, it's something that even Kizer has given some adherence to given Thomas' experience in the league but also stated that he will ready when called upon by the Browns. In the meantime, Brock Osweiler should be in line to hold down the starting job until he shows reason to be benched.

It will be interesting to see how much of a leash the Browns give Osweiler, especially after he struggled tremendously in his first chance as a starter with the Houston Texans last season throwing for 2,957 yards on 59 percent completion rate with 15 touchdowns, 16 interceptions, and a 72.2 passer rating.