DeShone Kizer to the Bears. Weird hearing that? There are four quarterbacks in the upcoming 2017 NFL draft that analysts feel have the best chance to become strong pros. The talent is most certainly there. However, reservations have been maintained over the past few months. Mitchell Trubisky is too inexperienced (started just 13 games). Deshaun Watson is a winner but he's also erratic with his accuracy and decision-making. Patrick Mahomes? Absolute cannon for a right arm but woefully underdeveloped in his fundamentals.
Then there is Kizer. At the start of the 2016 college season he was viewed as hands down the best QB prospect in the class. Big, strong, athletic and intelligent. He had every tool a team could want in a starter. To top it off he embraces the details of the game. His Xs and Os understand is advanced for a 21-year old. So what's his issue?
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There are lingering concerns regarding his leadership and his ability to elevate a team. Kizer was just 4-8 his final year at Notre Dame. He's also viewed as a "my bad" guy. He gets caught thinking too much about his mistakes, inevitably leading to others. That being said, he's very young and didn't have a lot of help.
Kizer to the Bears?
Recent word stated that Chicago would hold a private meeting with Kizer leading up to the draft. This isn't a surprise. They're meeting with all the top quarterbacks. So why is he any different? It goes back to the physical parameters. Don't forget about GM Ryan Pace. Through his first two years, his MO in the first round has centered on great athletes. Kizer is the best all-around physical talent of the top four quarterbacks. The fact he played well with virtually no help around him might be seen as an added position. Experts are starting to get a growing feel that he's destined for Chicago.Bucky Brooks of NFL.com broke down Kizer in his recent scouting report. After listing where he feels the young man is likely to go, he too offered his belief the Bears are a good landing spot.
"The 2017 QB class is viewed as one of the most polarizing groups in recent history. Teams are having a tough time sorting out the talent at the top, particularly Kizer and his unique game. I believe he's an elite talent worthy of consideration among the first 20 picks, but he will probably come off the board between the bottom of the first round and the middle of the second round on draft weekend. Teams like the Arizona Cardinals, Kansas City Chiefs, New York Giants and Chicago Bears would be a nice destination for him based on his game and their respective schemes."
