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2017 NFL Scouting Combine: Whose Rising, Falling and Other Early Observations, Pt. 2

By Eric Gamboa

Mar 3, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Washington wide receiver John Ross speaks to the media during the 2017 combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 3, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Washington wide receiver John Ross speaks to the media during the 2017 combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

Falling: Deshone Kizer

Another QB who hurt their stock was Notre Dame quarterback Deshone Kizer.

Kizer possesses prototypical QB traits which means almost always means that scouts end up pushing an average college QB into the first round on measurables alone.

Kizer seems to fit that same mold. Like QBs before him, Kizer has done little to impress on film except for having a cannon of an arm and one very exceptional game against Texas. Aside from that, Kizer is the classic high-upside QB. To be fair, Kizer had a poor cast surrounding him at Notre Dame and his film is not too shabby.

He is best suited as a day two QB but, from early on, he has been catapulted into the first-round debate. Yesterday, Kizer struggled with his footwork. It was clear that he was uncomfortable making three, five and seven-step drops. In addition, his accuracy suffered due to trying to time his release with the drops.

Some prominent members of sports media attempted to save Kizer some face, but the reality is that his footwork looked terrible.

The truth is that teams grade everything at the combine. This is how the previously mentioned Marcus Mariota leaped from possible first-round QB to No. 2 overall selection. He came in and displayed excellent footwork, throwing motion, fluid release, accuracy and mechanics.

Kizer displayed, well… arm strength. So have many other strong-armed QB prospects. Here’s looking at you Jay Cutler.

Here’s what others are saying about Kizer’s performance on Twitter:

Yeah, but he does have a cannon for an arm!