3. DeShone Kizer
There is a lot to like about Kizer, who might just be the most NFL-ready rookie coming into the league this year. But there are a ton of question marks surrounding this kid as well.
First off, he never really earned the staring job at Notre Dame. It was essentially his job by default in 2015 because Malik Zaire got injured. Even last year, Zaire and Kizer were battling for the starting role, though Kizer ended up getting the lion’s share of work.
We also cannot ignore that Kizer’s 2016 season was pretty stale. He struggled with accuracy and late-game decision making, finishing his campaign with a 58.7-percent completion rate (very low for college ball) while throwing 26 touchdowns and nine interceptions. It’s also worth noting his Irish went 4-8, and Kizer struggled to elevate the play of his teammates during this difficult campaign.
NFL general manager John Lynch spoke in depth with Kizer about all this and gave a glowing report at the combine, yet we’re not convinced the young gunslinger is anywhere near ready to lead an offense at the next level.