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2017 NFL Draft Profile: Notre Dame Quarterback DeShone Kizer

By Nick Ziegler

Mar 4, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback DeShone Kizer throws a pass during the 2017 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 4, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback DeShone Kizer throws a pass during the 2017 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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The 2017 NFL Draft is just over one month away. What are the strengths and weaknesses for Notre Dame quarterback DeShone Kizer?

With the 2017 NFL Draft right around the corner, one of the top quarterback prospects is Notre Dame quarterback DeShone Kizer. After being a starter for just two seasons, Kizer decided against returning to Notre Dame for his senior season.

Due to the possibility of being a first-round pick, it is hard to argue against Kizer’s decision to leave for the NFL. Even though there is room to grow for Kizer, being a possible first round pick guarantees a good amount of money.

In his first season as a starter in 2015, Kizer totaled 2,880 passing yards, 21 passing touchdowns, 10 interceptions, and a 62.9 completion percentage. As a dual-threat quarterback, Kizer also totaled 525 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns for Notre Dame.

Coming into his junior season, there was a good amount of hype surrounding Kizer. Despite Notre Dame being ranked to start the season, they didn’t live up to their expectations, and neither did Kizer.

In 2016, Kizer totaled 2,925 passing yards, 26 passing touchdowns, nine interceptions, and a 58.7 completion percentage. Seeing the dip in his accuracy is something that should certainly be alarming to NFL scouts.

At 6’4”, 233 lbs, Kizer has excellent size for a quarterback. With his large frame has come a lot of arm strength. However, sometimes a young quarterback can rely too much on his strong arm, and it can get him into trouble.

Even though Kizer was a good running quarterback at Notre Dame, he didn’t run his 40-yard dash as well as Deshaun Watson or Mitch Trubisky. Kizer is bigger than both of them, but he might not be nearly as effective as a runner in the NFL like he was in college.

Next: NFL Draft Profile: Myles Garrett

There is a lot to like about Kizer from a physical standpoint. However, there is still some work to be done as a quarterback. If Kizer falls into a good situation, some solid coaching can turn him into a very good NFL quarterback.

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