Cleveland Browns 2017 NFL Draft Profile: DeShone Kizer
If the front office members feel they can get a franchise quarterback outside of No. 1 overall, they should. Of the “big four” quarterback prospects, Kizer has the biggest hands (9 7/8 inches), weighs the most (233 pounds) and is the only QB above 6-foot-2 (6-foot-4).
The AFC North climate is difficult to play in and bigger quarterbacks tend to have greater success. Joe Flacco and Ben Roethlisberger have had great careers and both are bigger than the average quarterback. Kizer fits the mold for the ideal AFC North quarterback and his ability to whip it downfield with tremendous power only helps his stock.
At only 21 years old, Kizer is the youngest quarterback of this class and has tremendous upside. He has a serious personality and doesn’t goof around like most young players in the spotlight such as himself.
Cleveland.com’s Scott Patsko wrote about the the maturity and dedication Kizer displays with his laser-focus. He doesn’t use social media, hasn’t signed any marketing deals and is focused on improving his play in order to succeed at the next level.
The article also noted Kizer’s unique up-and-down experience at Notre Dame, including benefiting himself by playing in poor weather conditions:
"“I’ve seen a lot. For my [time] as a Notre Dame quarterback, only playing there two seasons, I’ve seen quite a bit. I was able to play in the snow, I was able to play in the rain. I was able to win games we were supposed to win. I was able to experience a not-so-good season this past season. I think I will learn from it all and all those experiences will prepare me to play, hopefully in that first game come next season."
The Browns established their focus in the running game with Isaiah Crowell and Duke Johnson in 2016. 2016 first-rounder Corey Coleman is expected to make a significant leap in his sophomore campaign and the signing of Kenny Britt should help bolster the receiving corps as well. Cleveland also rebuilt their offensive line in free agency by adding right guard Kevin Zeitler and center J.C. Tretter.
DeShone Kizer has the size, pocket awareness and arm strength to survive in the NFL and he could be an ideal fit with this Browns offense moving forward. The potential of having a premier offensive line in Cleveland should only benefit the impressive Crowell/Johnson tandem at running back. In turn, the receivers should find more ways to get open and finding a quarterback that can sling it like Kizer seems to be a smart play for Cleveland.
The Browns organization for once is building with a clear plan and is on the right track to creating a winner. Though, no NFL team is competing without a franchise quarterback and Cleveland still is searching to fill that hole. Kizer projects to be a mid-first to early-second-round pick and, if available at No. 33, the Browns would be wise to pounce.
Next: Curtis Samuel draft profile
The accuracy concerns are real with Kizer and hitting receivers in stride is a necessary trait in order to succeed in the NFL. However, his good use of pump fakes and ability to create plays helps offset those problems and his stellar arm strength and awareness will throw him into the discussion for the best quarterback in the 2017 NFL Draft.