DeShone Kizer, QB, Notre Dame: 2017 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Jan 1, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; NNotre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback DeShone Kizer (14) leaves the field following the 2016 Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Ohio State Buckeyes defeated Notre Dame 44-28. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; NNotre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback DeShone Kizer (14) leaves the field following the 2016 Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Ohio State Buckeyes defeated Notre Dame 44-28. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports /
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Notre Dame quarterback DeShone Kizer had 2,884 passing yards, 21 passing TDs, and a 63% completion rating in 2015.  He also rushed for 525 yards and 10 TDs.

Despite his excellent performance, there are a lot of questions surrounding the QB situation at Notre Dame heading into September.  Kizer took over after a season-ending injury to starter Malik Zaire, who will return healthy this Fall.

Kizer went on to lead the Fighting Irish to a 10-2 record in the regular season, and a Fiesta Bow appearance against the defending champion Ohio State Buckeyes.

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Name: DeShone Kizer

Position: QB

School: Notre Dame

Height: 6’4

Weight: 230 lbs

2015 Season Stats : 2,884 yards, 21 TDs, 10 INTs

Strengths:

Kizer showed leadership and skill under big pressure after stepping in for Zaire. Kizer’s contributions as a runner confirmed him as a dual-threat QB, and he now holds the school’s record for rushing touchdowns by a quarterback.  He led Notre Dame to a winning season and a bowl game.

Kizer has the size you look for in an NFL quarterback.  He has shown the ability to make huge plays, and has an arm capable of deep passes.  He also demonstrated solid pocket presence for his first season.

Weaknesses:

Kizer has occasionally been sloppy with the football.  He had a few games last season with multiple interceptions, including a three INT outing against Boston College.

This offseason, Kizer lost significant help with two of Notre Dame’s star players moving on to the NFL.  Both WR Will Fuller and RB C.J. Procise were drafted in April, going to Houston and Seattle, respectively.

Kizer also has to beat out two talented QBs for his starting job.  Zaire will be his main competition, but Brandon Wimbush will also be looking to earn some playing time.

Projection: 

Entering 2016, Kizer will be looking to improve multiple areas of his game, particularly turnovers and ball placement. He will also face stiff competition from a healthy returning Zaire.

Kizer’s performance last season should be enough to keep him in the starting role, but it remains up in the air for now.  Projecting his draft stock will depend on who Notre Dame chooses to lead their team this season.