Before he became a top analyst and contributor to CBS Sports, Greg Gabriel was a fixture in the Bears front office for eight seasons from 2002 to 2009. During that time he was a scout who eventually became their director of college scouting. With his help the team pinpointed future stars like Charles Tillman, Lance Briggs, Tommie Harris, Devin Hester and Matt Forte. He’s had a run of success for a long time.
The man knows football, so his opinions and evaluations are interesting to consider. His ties to the Bears should make it all the more fascinating when he delivered his take on who the top quarterback in the 2017 draft class is.
Not Mitch Trubisky. Not Deshaun Watson. He believes the honor goes to Notre Dame standout Deshone Kizer.
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“I have no doubt that Kizer is the most talented quarterback in this draft class. Circumstances beyond his control led to him not having the 2016 season that many envisioned. Are there areas he needs to improve in? Certainly, but that’s the case with every quarterback. Kizer too often tries to make the big play instead of taking what’s there, and that can lead to costly turnovers.
Still, when you look at the big picture and his physical traits, he compares quite favorably to the other top quarterbacks.
Will Kizer be the first or second quarterback drafted? That remains to be seen at this time, but I have no doubt that the team that selects him will be hitting a home run.”
The debate on Kizer is a furious one. Many love him for his physical talent and his more pro-style leanings in terms of polish. Others can’t get past some his nagging issues with decision-making and slow reaction time that has gotten him hit a lot. The big question is whether he can speed up the processor in his head. For what it’s worth they said the same things about Tom Brady when he came out of Michigan. Safe to say he improved.
Kizer also has the benefit of history on his side. Notre Dame, historically has been a fantastic school at producing top quarterbacks. Joe Montana and Joe Theismann are just a couple examples. Given better protection, a running game and experienced receivers? There is plenty of reason to think he can play at NFL speeds.
The problem a Chicago Bears Deshone Kizer combination would have to involve the #3 pick in the draft. Odds are beyond long that he’ll fall anywhere near the second round. So if this assessment proves true, Pace and his crew will have a tough decision to make.
