2017 NFL Draft: Top QB Deshone Kizer Struggles At Scouting Combine

Deshone Kizer knows he has a chance to be one of the top quarterbacks taken in the 2017 NFL draft this coming April. To do that, he needs help.

There is no denying his physical makeup. A big kid with a powerful arm and solid athleticism. He showcased all of it quite often at Notre Dame. He threw for 5,805 yards passing and 47 touchdowns while also posting 997 rushing and 18 more touchdowns. It’s a big reason why people remain so high on him and believe he’s got the highest ceiling of any in the class. The tricky part is showing NFL teams that he’s the real deal leading up to the draft.

That is why the scouting combine can be such a critical step. Not only does it help showcase his athleticism, but the drills also help illustrate where he is as a mechanical passer. From the footwork to the speed and style of the release. All can be so important in the makeup of a pro passer. Unfortunately based on results down in Indianapolis, Kizer left a lot of people disappointed with his overall performance.

Kizer ran a decent 40-yard dash, proving he’s the big athlete most expected. It was during the throwing drills where things went off kilter. There is no arguing his arm strength. The ball came out fast and hot. He can deliver it with velocity on what looks so effortless. This isn’t the issue. It’s his accuracy and ball placement. Put simply he was all over the place the entire session. Balls went high, low, outside and inside. Rarely was he on target even with many of the simple throws.

If there is one thing teams look for above all with top QB prospects, it’s accuracy. Nothing can kill offenses faster than one who is erratic. Thus it’s a big concern with Kizer. He struggled with similar issues at Notre Dame. Most had hoped that was due to protection and receiver issues but it doesn’t look like the case. Kizer is gifted physically, but his ability to hit his targets with precision is now in doubt.