Slap the Sign
Fansided

NFL Draft: Should DeShone Kizer Start in 2017?

By Noah Strackbein

Mar 4, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback DeShone Kizer has the speed of his throw timed on a radar gun during the 2017 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 4, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback DeShone Kizer has the speed of his throw timed on a radar gun during the 2017 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

Former Notre Dame quarterback, DeShone Kizer, is now a Cleveland Brown.

The Cleveland Browns definitely got themselves a future star in DeShone Kizer. The Notre Dame product has torched NCAA defenses for two years in South Bend and will take his talents to Cleveland next season.

With the draft, though, the question arises of whether or not he should start in 2017. Many critics believe he’s a project who needs at least a season to develop. The Browns aren’t headed to the playoffs next season, but they could be looking to see how well their new team plays together.

Realistically, the plan shouldn’t change with Kizer. He does need to time to finish developing and isn’t going to have a great season if he’s tossed into the starting role. Cleveland’s other options, Cody Kessler, isn’t a promising replacement, but it may be the best long-term option for the Browns.

If Browns’ head coach, Hue Jackson, wants the future to be brighter than the present, he’ll keep Kizer on the bench. Bare minimum, he’ll hold a quarterback competition where Kizer needs to earn the starting role. By no means, though, should the former Notre Dame play caller be given the job because of his potential.

Must Read: Kizer Should be Pleased With the Pick

Kizer isn’t winning a Super Bowl anytime soon. He needs to build on his accuracy and decision making under pressure. With Kenny Britt and Corey Coleman being his go-to targets, he won’t have an easy time finding open receivers on every play. So, while Kessler is working on Coleman’s development and Britt’s transition to the team, Kizer can be learning on the bench.

By no means does Cleveland need to jump the gun. Let Kizer sit and grow. Don’t put him out there, destroy his confidence, and send him packing like the Browns do seemingly every year. They made a lot of great moves in the draft; they don’t need to screw one up because they’re looking to go from last to first in one season.

Kizer needs time, and Cleveland needs to give it to him. He’s going to want to start, and I’m sure he’s looking to knowing Kessler is the man ahead of him. But Coach Jackson needs to be patient and understanding of the situation.

If they play their cards right, Kizer could be one of the best young quarterbacks in a few years. With the moves the Browns made in the draft, the future looks a lot brighter than it has in nearly a century. Let Kizer be the lead point of this, but not until he’s ready.

Next: Everything Irish Fans Need to Do Before They Die

He has a ton of potential. But without the right amount of time, DeShone Kizer isn’t looking any better than the rest of the quarterbacks the Browns throw away.

Home/nfl draft