Has anything changes for the Chicago Bears 2020 draft plans? Not really. Six games remain in the season and there are still loads of questions about the quarterback position. Mitch Trubisky is losing his grip on the starting job. This much seemed clear when head coach Matt Nagy seemed to bench him against the Rams due to a “hip pointer” while many feel that was just a convenient excuse to get the QB out of the game.
Conspiracy theories aside, it’s hard to imagine that the Bears won’t address the position at some point in the coming draft. So they’ll probably have eyes on every arm there is. One of them between Nate Stanley of Iowa. Now in his third year as a starter, he’s been quite productive for the Hawkeyes. The question is will that success translate to the next level? Here is what his scouting report has to say about those prospects.
Chicago Bears 2020 draft breakdown of Nate Stanley
Strengths:
- Size is a plus. Well-built from top to bottom and has the body that can handle the physicality of the NFL.
- Arm strength won’t be a concern. It’s not elite but he can deliver the ball with plenty of velocity.
- Not a pure runner but he’s able to move well both to buy time and pick up the occasional first down with his legs.
- Lower body strength stands out. Can be hard to bring down with just one defender as he shakes free quite often.
- Accuracy is consistent in the short-to-intermediate range. Delivers the ball where it needs to be.
This is a perfect showcase of what Stanley can do. He gets good protection and surveys the field. Steps into the throw and drives the football with strength and accuracy between two defenders on 3rd and 22 for a big first down. Showcases both his understated talent and his willingness to stay aggressive even in difficult down and distance situations
- Endured a lot of pressure the past two years and has weathered it well, showcasing his toughness.
- Willing to come off his first read and look to other options. Sees the field pretty well when not constantly pressured.
- Stays aggressive even in difficult situations. Looks to take a shot down the field whenever the opportunities are there.
- He will be viewed as probably the most pro-ready QB in this class. Knows all the intricacies of playing under center.
Weaknesses:
- Has a somewhat elongated throwing motion, which can open him up to strip-sacks in at the pro level.
- Efficiency seems to suffer when he feels a lot of pressure. Struggles to find completions in these situations.
- Not fluid enough in his operation. Tends to have a lot of hitches that interrupt the timing and rhythm of his throws.
- Teams have a lot of success blitzing him. He doesn’t handle it well and struggles to adjust the protections to pick them up.
- Ball placement is a constant worry. A lot of throws end up too wide, too short, or too far of the target.
- His deep ball is unimpressive. Seems to lack the natural touch for it and will too often over or underthrow his receivers.
Pro comparison: Jacoby Brissett
Brissett had the reputation of a big, strong quarterback out of N.C. State with a strong enough arm to handle most of the required NFL throws. However, because of the frequent pressure experienced in college, he’d developed some bad habits that needed correcting. Once he did though, he became an effective backup that is now a credible starter in the NFL. He may never end up being a star but he should be able to play complementary football for a good team.
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Projection: 4th round
Stanley is not ready for the NFL, unusual as that may sound. He has the understanding of playing in a pro offense, which is good. He’s also got a big body and strong arm. However, he also has some bad habits that must be smoothed over before he’s ready to handle the pro level. His fundamentals and throwing mechanics must be tightened up. If and when this is accomplished though, he has the floor of a dependable long-term backup with the ceiling of a solid starter.
