The Chicago Bears QB situation looks much better off than it did not too long ago. At least at the starting position. Mitch Trubisky showed considerable progress from his first start towards the end of the season. Three of the final five games he played saw him post a quarterback rating of 87 or better. This includes a great performance in Cincinnati where he threw for a touchdown and ran for another.
Suffice to say the Bears are happy with the direction he’s headed. The task ahead now is to get him help. They’ve already revamped the coaching staff. Matt Nagy, who directed the Chiefs offense to top five status this season has become the new head coach. His right-hand man Mark Helfrich is his offensive coordinator, one of the masterminds behind the great offenses at Oregon from 2009 to 2015.
They should be able to construct a scheme that maximizes what Trubisky does well. That being said it doesn’t mean GM Ryan Pace is completely out on the quarterback market for 2018. Word already filtered through that the team met with Washington State standout Luke Falk at the Senior Bowl. It seems another name just joined the list.
Chicago Bears QB research now includes Mason Rudolph
One of the more polarizing names in the 2018 draft class is Oklahoma State senior Mason Rudolph. Based on stats alone he is an impressive player and the Bears, according to a source, are intrigued enough to meet him.
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“Bears met with Mason Rudolph.”
It’s hard to determine exactly what the team is trying to pull here. Are they merely seeking depth at the position or are they trying to throw other teams into confusion? By elevating their perceived interest in certain QBs, it might compel teams to trade up for them. Thus allowing quality players at other positions to fall. The source made it clear though that this is simply preparation to bolster a key position.
“QB is not a high priority. They want to be prepared in case Trubisky gets hurt and having another talented QB as a backup is what they prefer.”
It makes sense. Mark Sanchez will be a free agent this March. Odds are high that Mike Glennon, the primary backup, is destined to get cut. There is no way the Bears will pay him $16 million to sit on the bench. Thus Trubisky threatens to be the only QB on the roster in the next couple months. So if Rudolph is a target, what would they get?
Rudolph has drawbacks but also intriguing qualities
The immediate interest in Rudolph is obvious. He understands how to run the concepts of a spread offense, something the Bears are planning to implement more of this year. He’s a big guy at 6’5″ but can also move fairly well. He’s not a runner but he’s not a statue either. The best feature for him is his arm. He might be the best deep ball thrower in college football.
For an idea of how good he is? Rudolph had a big pass play of at least 60 yards in 11 of his 13 games played this past season for Oklahoma State. He only passed for less than 300 yards twice and went over 400 five times. The kid is aggressive and knows how to hit the big plays. Chicago certainly needs more of that.
Current estimates are he could go anywhere from the third to fifth rounds. The Bears have three picks in that window. Perhaps they may choose to sacrifice one for him.
