When quarterbacks carry an undrafted label, everybody assumes they can’t play in the NFL. They’re destined to be backups at best. This is despite loads of evidence disputing such a claim. League history is full of successful examples. Kurt Warner won a Super Bowl and made the Hall of Fame. Warren Moon made the Hall of Fame. Jeff Garcia, Dave Krieg, Jim Hart, Tony Romo, and Jake Delhomme all became Pro Bowlers. So the immediate assumption from some people that Tyson Bagent doesn’t deserve some of the positive attention he’s gotten lately is false.
The undrafted rookie out of Shepherd has been the most impressive quarterback on the Chicago Bears’ roster through the first two preseason games. His 92-yard drive for a touchdown in the first half against the Indianapolis Colts on Saturday was almost surgical. It wasn’t brought on by one big play or a few lucky throws. Bagent made quick, smart decisions and threw accurate passes. Former Bear Jason McKie watched the film and explained why he has far greater command on the field than he gets credit for.
Tyson Bagent carries himself like a veteran.
That might be the most encouraging part of this. He showed surprising poise and mastery of the offense against the Colts. He also had a great screen call against a blitz on the same drive, leading to an 11-yard gain. Bagent never seemed like he was out of his. Even the last play, when he immediately chose to take off and run for the touchdown, demonstrated his quick decision-making. This isn’t somebody surviving on his brain alone too. He is 6’3 with good mobility and a solid arm.
It feels like he went undrafted because his success came at the Division II level. He faced weak competition. However, a common saying goes that if you face weak competition, an NFL player will dominate that competition. Tyson Bagent posted 17,034 passing yards and 159 touchdowns in his career at Shepherd. The former would be the third-most in college football history, and the latter would be the most all-time. He also did a lot of winning big games. In 2021 and 2022, Bagent carried his team to the national championship semifinals, winning six playoff games over that span.
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This is not a case of people smoking too much hopeium. The kid can play. Chicago would be wise to explore his abilities moving forward.
