There are many NCAA schools riddled with NFL talent on their rosters. Each player has the sparkle in his eye and the hope of hearing his name called in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on April 27th. The reality is, not everyone can be selected during the seven-round NFL draft. Today, I break down the NFL talent from the University of Notre Dame.
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish
The Fighting Irish have seven prospects that have a chance to hear their name called during the 2017 NFL draft. Let’s take a more in-depth look at each player.
DeShone Kizer – QB
Height: 6’4″
Weight: 233 lbs.
DeShone Kizer has the prototypical size and strength NFL head coaches and general managers are looking for in a quarterback. He has a big time arm and is not afraid to stand in the pocket and take punishment from rushers.
Last season, he completed 58.7 percent of his passes for 2,925 yards and 26 touchdowns (9 interceptions). He also posted a 145.6 pass efficiency rating while averaging 8.1 passing yards per attempt. If you do not already, get to know DeShone Kizer better.
Prototypical QB size combined with big-play athleticism.@DKizer_14 is ready to make his NFL dream become reality. https://t.co/xZWe230ZP2
— NFL (@NFL) March 30, 2017
2015 DeShone Kizer is the best QB in this #NFLDraft class & not even close. Outstanding arm talent with a cannon + can make all the throws pic.twitter.com/pXtPJyZUtB
— Tom Like (@TomLikeNFL) March 30, 2017
At Jon Gruden’s QB Camp, Kizer discussed his leadership style after leading the Fighting Irish to a 4-8 record. Later, when Gruden put Kizer on the field, he described Kizer’s game as “TV ready, man”.
When looking at what NFL scouts have said about DeShone Kizer, one NFC midwest area scout revealed to NFL.com,
“I could tell you he should have gone back to school, but he also has some things you can work with. We need to find out how he will handle the board when our coaches put him through different reads. That’s going to be huge for him. He’s a bright kid, but I’m not sure he sees what he needs to see all time.”
Barring some quarterback frenzy (which could happen), look for DeShone Kizer to be selected early in the 2nd round by the San Francisco 49ers (34th overall). The 49ers and Kyle Shanahan will take the time to groom Kizer and will look at him as the quarterback of the future.
Player comparison: Jason Campbell
The Other Fighting Irish
Jarron Jones (DT) – Late 4th round (132nd overall) – Kansas City Chiefs
Cole Luke (CB) – Early 6th round (190th overall) – Los Angeles Chargers
James Onwuala (OLB) – Early 7th round (220th overall) – Washington Redskins
Isaac Rochell (DL) – Early/Mid 7th round (229th overall) – New Orleans Saints
Tarean Folston (RB) – Undrafted
Scott Daly (LS) – Undrafted
