2017 NFL Draft: KC Kingdom Staff First Round Mock Draft
The top quarterbacks in the draft came off the board early. The Steelers were faced with the reality of Ben Roethlisberger’s eventual retirement this offseason. They need to think about the future and have shown a ton of interest in DeShone Kizer. Moving ahead of Kansas City and Houston ensures they get their man.
2017 NFL Draft: KC Kingdom Mock Draft
Pittsburgh Steelers – Thomas Hawkins
player. 55. It would be very smart of the Steelers to draft a quarterback to eventually replace Ben Roethlisberger. Enter DeShone Kizer from Notre Dame. The Steelers Offensive Coordinator Todd Haley personally scouted Kizer at Notre Dame’s Pro Day. Kizer has drawn comparisons to Steve McNair from NFL.com.. Quarterback. Notre Dame. DeShone Kizer. 24
While Notre Dame wasn’t all that competitive in 2016, it wasn’t Kizer’s fault by any means. The junior threw for 2,925 yards last season with 26 touchdowns to just nine interceptions. Yeah, I’d take those stats over 15 touchdowns to eight interceptions any day of the week.
“I could tell you he should have gone back to school, but he also has some things you can work with. We need to find out how he will handle the board when our coaches put him through different reads. That’s going to be huge for him. He’s a bright kid, but I’m not sure he sees what he needs to see all time.” – NFC midwest area scout
Staff Reaction:
Given the retirement talk that has surrounded Ben Roethlisberger in recent seasons, the pick of Kizer as a developmental QB makes sense here. Had I been drafting for the Steelers, I may have also considered filling a need at OLB or ILB. If Scouts Top 32 players Charles Harris, Derek Barnett, and TJ Watt remain on the board when the Steelers pick, expect Pittsburgh to give them serious consideration. ~ Jesse Holt