Most Chicago Bears fans have their quarterback sights centered on the big veteran names, Deshaun Watson and Russell Wilson. No surprise. They’re both superstars. Both could be available. They’re allowed to dream until it’s no longer possible. That said, there hasn’t been a lot of talk about the possibility of the team going after their guy in the draft. Obviously, guys like Trevor Lawrence and Zach Wilson are out of the question. So what about Trey Lance?
He had quite an interesting college career, to say the least. He never lost a game as the starter for North Dakota State. He only had one turnover and accounted for 46 touchdowns in his final 17 games. Pretty ridiculous production. The problem is he’s only thrown 318 total passes in his college career. All of it against second-rate competition. This is why NFL teams may have a hard time taking him early in the 2021 draft despite his obvious talent.
He has plenty of admirers in the Bears community.
Others though get some strong Mitch Trubisky vibes. A good-sized, athletic QB who only started one full season but can run really well? It’s like deja vu. One man though believes people need to jump on the Lance train. Lance Zierlein of NFL.com does their official draft prospect scouting reports every year. He even makes player comparisons for the big names. Check out who he sees when watching Lance.
“One-year starter who dazzled in 2019. Lance is mature for his age, but will be just 20 years old at the time of the 2021 NFL Draft. He’s a rare dual-threat quarterback in that he’s tasked with setting his own protections and reading the full field. Coaches rave about his football IQ and film work. They believe he will come into the league more football savvy than most of the quarterbacks in this draft.”
While there is a big difference in terms of college experience between Lance and Deshaun Watson, the comparison is valid. Both are standout athletes, won a national championship in college, and were known for their borderline obsession with football. If nothing else, it’s a comparison that compels you to go back and watch the kid some more.
Subscribe to the BFR podcast and ride shotgun with Dave and Ficky as they break down Bears football like nobody else.
Bears likely wouldn’t draft Trey Lance to play in 2021
He is that sort of prospect that will demand a year on the bench. Similar to what Kansas City did with Patrick Mahomes back in 2017. He needs time to catch up to the complexity and speed of the NFL level. He would be drafted with the idea of sitting behind a veteran starter. Maybe that’s Nick Foles, maybe it’s Alex Smith or maybe it would be somebody else. This sort of plan is employed a lot across league history.
This way the Bears secure both their present on their future. A way to keep all their eggs out of one basket. In truth, it’s the same plan they tried to employ with Trubisky four years ago. That was why they signed Mike Glennon that year. He was supposed to be the starter for all of 2017. He managed to survive just four games before Trubisky went in. Trey Lance would need considerably longer before getting the green light.
The wait could be worth it though.
His upside is substantial. Every part of his game reflects what NFL teams look for these days. Somebody who can burn you with his arm and his legs in equal measure. It all comes down to the type of development he ends up getting. Maybes Matt Nagy is willing to take up that challenge. GM Ryan Pace certainly had eyes for the last big QB out of North Dakota State. Then again he also had no interest in Watson. So who knows.
What do you think? Will the Bears sign, draft, or trade for their next QB? If you’re willing to throw down some money, you have to use PointsBet. They’ve partnered with the franchise and the promo code Mockery gets you two risk-free bets up to $2000. If a non-gambler like me likes using it? You will too.
