Tuesday, April 18, 2017

2017 NFL Draft Profile - DeShone Kizer, QB, Notre Dame

DeShone Kizer

QB - Notre Dame- #14 - RS Sophomore
6-4 - 233 - 4.83 speed
Two-year stats: 23 Starts - 423 of 696 for 5,809 - 60.8 percent - 47 TD/19 INT - 992 rushing yards - 18 rushing TDs
Kizer has all of the potential to be special, but his 2016 regressed enough to make many skeptical.
POSITIVES: There is no question that people are looking for their Cam Newton/Dak Prescott/Jameis Winston type.  In this dual-threat QB world, you want someone who is able to make the throws and able to keep the ball and sturdy enough not to succumb to contact or injury while being able to shrug off a linebacker and still stand tall and make the throw.  On his day, Kizer can do all of these things and look the part.  If you simply took his highlight film of his top moments, you can make the case that Kizer is your #1 pick in the entire draft.  He is so big and strong and on a QB draw looks powerful and able to move the chains.  When he throws, he does not lack for strength and even on the run can make it look easy.  His double moves on a pump and go can make corners look silly.  He moves well and gets out of jams.  He really can do it all.
CONCERNS: After that glowing review, there must be a real question about what the issues with Kizer could be.  The differences between someone like Kizer and Prescott comes down to between the ears for me.  Kizer simply has poor processing in the moment of truth and makes some inexcusable mistakes that cannot be characterized as anything other than carelessness with the football.  Now, let's be clear: every young QB has a tough time deciding on the run when to not even try the throw.  They all can be more careful, while trying to make plays.  But Kizer's panic throws are too much for me.  His accuracy is all over the place, and I just don't trust his decision making.  I realize his ceiling is very high, but I also would suggest his floor is quite low.  He will have to harness this massive issue that is a real deal breaker for me.  If someone can do it, they will have something.  Because on the run, the man is very impressive.  And his arm is strong.  I just don't know that he knows where it is going.
In the end, Kizer has a chance and someone will take it.  I am just not willing to get involved.

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