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2017 NFL Mock Draft: Running backs steal spotlight

By Brad Weiss

Nov 12, 2016; Fayetteville, AR, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) runs for a large gain after a reception during the first quarter of the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2016; Fayetteville, AR, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) runs for a large gain after a reception during the first quarter of the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 26, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback DeShone Kizer (14) throws a pass against the Southern California Trojans during a NCAA football game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback DeShone Kizer (14) throws a pass against the Southern California Trojans during a NCAA football game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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DeShone Kizer

QB, Notre Dame

Last season, the Cleveland Browns started a number of players at the quarterback position, though none of them were able to win games on a consistent basis. From Robert Griffin III, to Josh McCown, to Cody Kessler, the starting quarterback spot for the Browns was a revolving door. There are some good quarterback prospects in this draft, and if he is available at No. 12, the Browns should take a shot at Notre Dame quarterback DeShone Kizer.

While most believe that Mitch Trubisky and Deshaun Watson should be the first two quarterbacks off the board, there are some experts out there who feel that Kizer will be the better pro of the three. While his decision making was questioned during his time with the Fighting Irish, he has all the physical tools to be a good player at the next level. He is going to need time to grow in an NFL offense, and the Browns can afford to give him a year on the bench for his development.

Nobody expects the Browns to be good next season, so drafting Kizer and letting him get used to the grind of playing in the NFL would be the smart play. He has shown during his time at Notre Dame that he can lead men to victories, and while he made a bunch of mistakes this past season, his ability to fit the ball into tight spaces is unrivaled in this draft. He is a first-round talent, and could wind up being the perfect reset button for the quarterback position in Cleveland.

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