Chicago Bears Daily 2017 NFL Prospect: Notre Dame QB DeShone Kizer
We continue to look at potential 2017 NFL Draft targets for the Chicago Bears with insight into Notre Dame quarterback DeShone Kizer.
If the Chicago Bears fail to draft a quarterback with either the No. 3 or No. 36 overall selection in the 2017 NFL Draft, then that will be an indicator that general manager Ryan Pace is not the right person for the job.
The Bears have a desperate need for a long-term answer at their quarterback position. Even if the Bears make the mistake of signing free agent quarterback Mike Glennon, the Bears will still need a long-term answer at the position.
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It’s likely that the Bears will find their long-term answer in the 2017 NFL Draft. For the Bears, that answer may be Notre Dame’s DeShone Kizer.
In two seasons with the Fighting Irish, Kizer compiled 5,805 passing yards and 47 touchdowns against 19 interceptions. Kizer’s draft stock may have taken a hit as the result of Notre Dame’s poor season in 2016. Though, Kizer was not put a in position to succeed in 2016 considering the lack of support he had with the Notre Dame offense. In addition, Notre Dame’s offensive coaching staff did not really draw up an offensive system that meshed with Kizer’s ability.
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Despite Notre Dame’s shortcomings in 2016, Kizer’s size, 6’5″-220 pounds, and strong arm is what projects him to be selected near the top of the 2017 NFL Draft. The downside is that Kizer needs to be coached out his poor decision making tendencies and his accuracy is spotty at times. Kizer also struggled at the NFL Scouting Combine this past weekend and that generally is a red flag for any quarterback in the NFL Draft.
If the Bears are going to use the No. 3 selection on quarterback, chances are that quarterback will be Clemson’s DeShaun Watson or North Carolina’s Mitchell Trubisky. Kizer simply represents too much bust potential for the Bears to consider him in the first round.
Next: Who should the Chicago Bears target in free agency?
Check in tomorrow as we profile Ohio State safety Malik Hooker; another possible 2017 NFL Draft prospect for the Chicago Bears.