NFL Draft 2017: Top target for each team
By John Buhler
Houston Texans: DeShone Kizer
The Houston Texans may go all-in on Dallas Cowboys backup quarterback Tony Romo this offseason. It will set the NFL world on fire when Romo switches football franchises in Texas. Or the Texans can stand pat and see what Tom Savage can do in 2017.
It doesn’t matter if the Texans are trotting out Romo or Savage this fall, they still need to draft a quarterback this spring, preferably in the first-round. Now Houston shouldn’t trade up to get either Clemson’s Deshaun Watson or North Carolina’s Mitch Trubisky, but it should key in on Notre Dame’s DeShone Kizer at No. 25.
Kizer and Texas Tech’s Patrick Mahomes will probably end up being the two most talented passers entering this draft. However, both will need at least a year as a backup before being thrust into the ring of fire as an NFL starter.
Kizer has both the size and the arm strength to succeed in the NFL on most teams. However, his accuracy wasn’t great at Notre Dame as a redshirt sophomore. Then again, Brian Kelly’s offenses in South Bend don’t scream efficiency in the passing game either. In 2016, Kizer completed 58.7 percent of his passes for 2,925 yards, 26 touchdowns and nine interceptions.
All things equal, Kizer should go somewhere in the 20s in this draft. However, he may be pushed up some draft boards because of the position he plays. Houston should not trade up to get Kizer. If he’s off the board before No. 25, the Texans can settle with either Mahomes or Cal’s Davis Webb and be in good shape.