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Thursday, March 28, 2024
The Observer

DeShone Kizer drafted No. 52 overall by Cleveland Browns in 2017 NFL Draft

Former Irish starting quarterback DeShone Kizer was drafted with the No. 52 overall pick — the 20th pick in the second round — by the Cleveland Browns during day two of the NFL Draft on Friday night.

Kizer, ranked by many scouts as a top-five quarterback prospect in this year’s draft, played in 25 games over his two-year career, amassing a total of 423 completions, 5,809 yards, 47 touchdowns and 19 interceptions.

Irish junior quarterback DeShone Kizer attempts to elude a pass rusher during Notre Dame's 45-27 loss Saturday to USC.
Michael Yu | The Observer
Irish junior quarterback DeShone Kizer attempts to elude a pass rusher during Notre Dame's 45-27 loss to USC on Nov. 26 at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.


In his sophomore season, the Toledo, Ohio, native was thrust onto the scene after then-starting quarterback Malik Zaire broke his ankle on a quarterback draw in the third quarter against Virginia, and he subsequently lead a game-winning drive culminating in a 40-yard touchdown pass to former Irish wide receiver Will Fuller with 12 seconds left. Kizer ultimately led the team to a 10-3 record that season, including a perfect 6-0 at home, in his first year as starter, but the season ended with a 44-28 loss to Ohio State in the Fiesta Bowl.

In his junior season, Kizer had another productive season with nearly 3000 yards passing and 26 touchdowns to nine interceptions, but the Irish struggled, going 4-8 and missing a bowl game for the first time in Brian Kelly’s career at Notre Dame.

After the season, Kizer ended speculation about his future by announcing that he would forgo the remainder of his collegiate career and enter the NFL draft.

Kizer’s selection marks the 493rd Notre Dame football player chosen in the NFL Draft, which is the second most of any college program behind USC’s 494. He is also the 22nd Irish quarterback to be selected in the draft and the first since Jimmy Clausen was selected 48th overall in the 2010 NFL Draft.

Kizer will compete with current Browns quarterbacks Cody Kessler, Brock Osweiler and Kevin Hogan for positioning on the depth chart in training camp.