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2017 NFL Draft: DeShone Kizer is a Project and Teams Need to Remember That

By Noah Strackbein

Nov 19, 2016; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback DeShone Kizer (14) passes the ball in the third quarter against the Virginia Tech Hokies at Notre Dame Stadium. Virginia Tech won 34-31. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 19, 2016; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback DeShone Kizer (14) passes the ball in the third quarter against the Virginia Tech Hokies at Notre Dame Stadium. Virginia Tech won 34-31. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports /
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Former Notre Dame quarterback, DeShone Kizer, enters the 2017 NFL Draft as a project and teams need to remember that.

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DeShone Kizer isn’t heading to the NFL Draft as the solution to a team’s problems. Maybe, in a year or two, he’ll be the star his future team is looking for. But until then, he’s underdeveloped and should be considered nothing more than a long-term solution.

At Notre Dame, Kizer proved himself as one of the best play callers in the NCAA. His 26 touchdowns and nine interceptions stuck out among possible college football quarterbacks eligible for the 2017 draft.

There were concerns, though. While he is one of the most talented players in the country, he isn’t ready to play at the next level. His arm is NFL ready, and his athleticism will stand out in the pros, but he lacks the mental development needed to be a reliable quarterback in the NFL.

NFL Draft experts are praising the upside of Kizer’s future. The key is the word “upside,” though. He will be one of the best passers in the league one day, but that won’t be during his rookie year. In fact, it may not be a short-term solution to any teams problems and may have a better career after sitting for a few seasons.

Teams cannot forget that. If someone is looking for Kizer to be the answer to their troubles, they’re going to be disappointed. On top of that, it’ll be a major factor in whether his career turns into a success or failure. Kizer can’t come into a franchise as the now guy. If it happens, it’ll kill his confidence and if he fails to adjust could lead to a drop in value to the rest of the NFL.

On draft night, there will be teams who view Kizer as the long-term solution to their team and ones who want him to be the guy now. Unfortunately, if he falls to one looking for the now guy he’s going to disappoint. But if a team understands his needed development, Kizer’s potential is as high as it could be.

It comes down to who drafts him. He needs work, and some franchises know that. Going to one of the understanding teams will boost his ceiling. Time is the key to his future. Given it and Kizer could easily be the best quarterback in the draft. Not given, Kizer could take longer than expected to reach his full potential.

Next: Top 20 Notre Dame Players of 2017

He’s a project. Not a bad project but still one to work on. Molded the right way and he’ll be one of the best players in the 2017 draft class.

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