DeShone Kizer

ANALYSIS
Although he began neither of his two seasons as Notre Dame's clear starter at quarterback, he's basically a two-year starter after replacing incumbent Malik Zaire in both seasons (due to injury in the first, and performance reasons in the second). The redshirt sophomore is a likely first-round pick after exhibiting most or all of the required traits to emerge as a starter in the NFL. From the first times Kizer stepped on the field for Notre Dame he showed advanced pocket presence and mechanics, and he offers rare athleticism at a listed size of 6-foot-4, 230 pounds. He's extremely comfortable in the pocket and has no trouble minding his downfield reads as he swerves out of harm's way. In addition to the poise he displays in the pocket, Kizer shows no fear when it comes to making tough, aggressive throws. He probably could stand to improve his accuracy and the quickness with which he makes his reads, but Kizer's advanced polish for his age implies untapped upside and the ability to develop further. Not set to turn 21 until after the new year, Kizer's most concerning tendencies are easy enough to rationalize if you project such further development. Kizer finished his Notre Dame career with 5,805 yards (60.7 percent completed, 8.4 YPA), 47 touchdowns and 19 interceptions in 25 games, adding 997 yards (3.8 YPC) and 18 touchdowns as a runner. We imagine he'll compete with North Carolina's Mitch Trubisky to be the first quarterback selected, with both players candidates to go in the first 10 picks.