2017 NFL mock draft: DeShone Kizer lands with Chiefs in first round

The Kansas City Chiefs often receive a quarterback in the first round of many mocks, but DeShone Kizer is rarely, if ever, that player.

With the 2017 NFL Draft coming in a matter of weeks, the Kansas City Chiefs are likely going to target a quarterback in the first round—if mock drafts are to be believed. Typically the player who lands at No. 27 overall is Patrick Mahomes, quarterback from Texas Tech, or maybe Deshaun Watson from Clemson. However, a new mock by Jeff Risdon of Real GM has a new name for the Chiefs: Notre Dame’s DeShone Kizer.

"This is pure speculation based on a dinner conversation I had with a scout from a different team following Notre Dame’s pro day. His team believes Andy Reid and the Chiefs love the polarizing Kizer, who looked like a potential No. 1 overall pick in 2015 but regressed in ’16."

Kizer is often named among the top quarterbacks of this year’s draft class as well, but it’s clear he is a mixed bag for many scouts. Notre Dame won only four games this year, which pales next to the intangibles and leadership displayed in the same class as Watson. He’s a two-year starter who saw his stats decline in his second year, and last year he only completed 58 percent of his passes. He threw 26 touchdowns and 9 interceptions in 2016.

It’s hard to watch Kizer’s tape in games against North Carolina State, Virginia Tech or Stanford and feel good about his pro potential. That said, Kizer is normally listed among the top quarterbacks taken and 49ers general manager John Lynch sang his praises after his interview.

Fan opinions might be mixed, but the only thing that matters is what John Dorsey and Andy Reid think of each prospect.