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NFL Draft Combine: DeShone Kizer’s combine goes one of two ways

By Noah Strackbein

Sep 17, 2016; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback DeShone Kizer (14) takes the snap of the ball from Notre Dame Fighting Irish offensive lineman Sam Mustipher (not pictured) during the first quarter of a game against Michigan State at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2016; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback DeShone Kizer (14) takes the snap of the ball from Notre Dame Fighting Irish offensive lineman Sam Mustipher (not pictured) during the first quarter of a game against Michigan State at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /
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The 2017 NFL Draft Combine puts DeShone Kizer as a top ten pick or a slide to the bottom of the first round.

Matt Miller’s ‘Post-Super Bowl 2017 NFL Mock Draft’ has DeShone Kizer going third in the 2017 NFL Draft to the Chicago Bears. With the emergence of Deshaun Watson, Kizer is now battling between two quarterbacks for the top passer taken. Now that Patrick Mahomes is making waves again, Kizer has yet another QB he needs to surpass.

DeShone Kizer NFL Draft Outlook: Chicago Bears

Of the quarterbacks headed to the combine, these four are the closest for a top ten pick. With one shot to impress remaining, it comes down to the NFL Combine to decide where DeShone Kizer will fall in the draft.

There are roughly five teams in the first round looking for quarterbacks (49ers, Bears, Browns, Jets, Texans). Not all of them will take a chance on a play caller with their first pick but will look for the best option if necessary. Some may be waiting until the second or third round, which is where the fine line is between a top ten pick and a drop out of the opening round.

Every one of these athletes brings a lot of the same attributes. Strong arms, athleticism, and the ability to step into a role when necessary. They all may need time to develop their game, but for teams desperate for a quarterback, each one is a hot commodity.

The combine is make or break for each of these players. Watson may be the sole player that will stay near the top despite his workout. Besides that, these remaining three are fighting for their spot.

With strong combine performances, all four passers could see themselves in the first round. If they show the NFL that they’re ready to play, teams will jump on them as quick as they can. But it still leaves a fight for which ones go first. If one doesn’t perform to par, it’s a quick slide come April.

Kizer didn’t do enough this season to secure anything. If Notre Dame had a better record, his stat line would be one of the most impressive in the draft. Without a successful record, though, it’s hard to say how well you can lead a team. At the next level, how well you lead your team to victory is just as important as your statistics. In some instances, it’s more important.

Next: Will Fuller, Houston Texans, and Trading For a Quarterback

Which leaves Kizer with one of two options – have a noteworthy NFL Combine, or risk a slide in the draft. With three other names just as big as his, Kizer can’t afford a poor performance. If he doesn’t impress, his draft stock is stuck in the hands of teams who have options.

Kizer is worthy of a top ten pick. Unfortunately, there are three other quarterbacks worthy of the same.

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