2017 NFL Mock Draft: Dalvin Cook makes his case
By Brad Weiss
![Nov 19, 2016; Syracuse, NY, USA; Florida State Seminoles running back Dalvin Cook (4) carries the ball during the first quarter of a game against the Syracuse Orange at the Carrier Dome. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports Nov 19, 2016; Syracuse, NY, USA; Florida State Seminoles running back Dalvin Cook (4) carries the ball during the first quarter of a game against the Syracuse Orange at the Carrier Dome. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/31a98a66a91e6ecb3e3c594ea86befc2d3d381579a86dd54d187186ecba4ae7a.jpg)
player. 32. . QB. Notre Dame. DeShone Kizer. 9
This past Sunday, the Arizona Cardinals were throttled by the Atlanta Falcons, in a very bad showing by a very good defense. The defense is definitely not the problem, as teams are allowed to have bad games once in a while. The issue in Arizona is that their quarterback is getting up there in age, and there is no telling how many good years Carson Palmer has in his arm.
There are a few quarterbacks that could go in round one, though this class is not as stacked as the 2018 field. However, DeShone Kizer of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish has the skills to be a very good quarterback at the next level, and could spend a year or two learning from Palmer. He is not ready to step in right away a start, which would make Arizona a perfect situation for him.
Kizer has incredible pocket presence, and he possesses the arm strength to make all the throws at the NFL level. His issue has been his decision making, as he has played some subpar games for the Irish this season. Still, head coach Bruce Arians is very good at bring quarterbacks along, and a year or two watching tape with a veteran like Palmer could wind up making Kizer the best pro of the bunch down the line.