NFL Notes: DeShone Kizer, Chargers, Panthers, Patriots

DeShone Kizer

Notre Dame HC Brian Kelly mentioned during an appearance on Sirius XM Radio Monday that he believes QB DeShone Kizer should have returned to college and continued to work on his game as opposed to turning pro.

“Well, he still should be in college,’‘ Kelly said, via the Cleveland Plain Dealer. “The circumstances are such that you have to make business decisions and he felt like it was in his best interest. I’m going to support him and his decision. But the reality of it is he needs more football, he needs more time to grow in so many areas. Not just on the field, but off the field.

“My recommendation was that he needs more time,” Kelly said. “He needs to play more football. I think the best place to play to continue his playing is at Notre Dame. But that doesn’t mean we can’t agree to disagree and then go and support him and that’s what we did.”

Even so, Kelly did say that he has told NFL teams that Kizer has the largest upside of any quarterback in this year’s draft class.

“I’ve had a number of conversations with GMs and coaches about DeShone, and my personal feeling is he has the biggest upside of all the quarterbacks,” Kelly said. “I don’t know that he’s prepared to come in and win a Super Bowl for you (immediately). Some may feel as though maybe one of the other quarterbacks are, I don’t know that firsthand. But I think in time, he has the biggest upside of all the three quarterbacks.”

Chargers

• Michael Gehlken reports that Chargers franchise DE Melvin Ingram was not in attendance for the start of the team’s offseason workouts on Monday. Although, the workouts are voluntary and Ingram has yet to sign his franchise tender for the 2017 season.

Panthers

• Miami TE David Njoku tells Pro Football Talk that he will work out for the Panthers on Tuesday and has already met with the team.

Patriots

• Tom Curran of CSN New England mentions that his theory for the Patriots’ decision to host free agent RB Adrian Peterson for a visit was to “do a solid” for his agent, Ben Dogra. Curran mentions that New England has had a good relationship with Dogra over the years and bringing in Peterson could only help to drum up interest in him around the league.
• Meanwhile, Jeff Howe reported Peterson’s visit with the Patriots “didn’t get to the point where (the Patriots) were willing to make an offer.“