Well since this is the third post pointing out the difference between Kizer and Johnny Cocaine, I'll clarify. Yes, they are very different people and I don't expect Kizer to flame out in embarrassing fashion.
Here's what's the same: Browns fans who don't value the role of the bridge QB. The dumb ass media who know the young guy is going to take over eventually, leading to articles with headlines similar to "Kizer taking steps to starting week one."
I saw him play a few games at Notre Dame. He seemed like the type of QB prospect who needs refinement. So I'm open to being totally surprised and Kizer fixing all his mechanical issues with a pass rush flying at him in year one, but I'm not going to count on it. He had a long long way to go last I saw him face an opponent.
Keys, I do think you have a valid point. He had some flaws last year at Notre Dame--flaws that made him fall all the way to #52. Some of those "flaws", however, weren't even on-the-field related concerns and seem to be much over blown in retrospect. Examples: His love for football was questioned, his willingness to work was questioned, and his maturity was questioned.
So far, articles coming out of camp and word from coaches seem to state that these 3 things are actually STRENGTHS of his. He's mature beyond his years, he's intelligent, he's working his ass off, and he is extremely driven--often staying after practice and coming in early. He's been a leader; he's been respectful of his teammates. I think a lot of the draft hoopla was just that--people taking something and running with it. It seems like making a mountain out of a mole hill just because a 21 year-old had bad body language once in a loss--something he acknowledged and knows should never happen.
As far as on the field, no doubt--the kid needed refinement on multiple things. One, cleaning up his mechanics. Two, some decision making concerns on tape. That dreaded "slow eyes" phrase. However, these tend to be the case with a number of young players. I also believe Hue Jackson is twice the coach Brian Kelly is--especially for a young quarterback.
Kizer was more than a football player at Notre Dame. He's a smart kid who did well in classes and was involved around the community. It was probably a lot to juggle. Now that this is his full-time job, it appears he's made as big as strides as a youngster can make in this short 4 month period since being drafted. Working out with Tom House had to have had a positive outcome.
Sure, if he starts this season, we're still going to see some of those flaws. However, if Hue thinks he can simplify things for him and lead him to success on the field, I am absolutely all for it. If it's going to be a nightmare, I don't think Hue ever entertains putting him on the field. I trust him to make that call. That said, from all reports we've seen from camp--including coaching interviews--Kizer is much further along than anticipated and he's outperforming our other quarterbacks. At minimum, it's a push with more weeks to go and more weeks for Kizer to continue to progress.