The Chicago Bears hired John DeFilippo last season to become their quarterbacks coach. This year he was promoted to also be their passing game coordinator. Suffice to say his opinions and knowledge of that positive is highly respected inside that building. Rightfully so considering the work he’s done in the past. One overlooked part of his value is his ability to spot talent in the NFL draft.
He was in Oakland back in 2014 when they grabbed Derek Carr in the 2nd round. A move that has become arguably their best QB pick ever. Two years later in Philadelphia, he was instrumental to the Philadelphia Eagles drafting Caron Wentz who became a Pro Bowler. Then in 2019, he played a big hand in the Jacksonville Jaguars drafted Gardner Minshew in the 6th round. He’s gone on to become a pretty productive starter.
So it should be noteworthy when the Bears send him somewhere to review a QB.
That is why Adam Hoge of NBC Sports revealing the coach was present at the Stanford pro day is significant. He personally worked out their young quarterback Davis Mills during drills. Even asking him to make some complicated NFL-style throws to see how he responded. Apparently, the results were sharp. Another indicator that Mills’ stock is quietly rising.
“Just as Dalton finished answering a question about the Bears potentially drafting a quarterback, prospect Davis Mills began a throwing session at his pro day in Stanford, Calif. with Bears quarterbacks coach John DeFilippo standing closely behind. At one point during the throwing session, DeFilippo even requested a specific throw — a seam route under pressure against single-high safety coverage — and Mills delivered.”
Mills is a fascinating prospect. On the surface, he’s clearly unproven. Just 13 games played since 2019. A stat line of 18 touchdowns to eight interceptions. Just 435 total passes thrown. All the hallmarks of a project. Yet hidden beneath that is an intriguing talent. Mills has good size for the position, a strong arm, and can make some really impressive throws under pressure. His athleticism isn’t great but it’s better than people might think.
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Chicago Bears may be seeking a project behind Andy Dalton
The 33-year old veteran was signed for $10 million on a one-year deal this past week. He revealed the expectations are he’ll be the starter in 2021. That should not and likely does not preclude the Bears from making another addition to the depth chart. Somebody young and cheap they might be able to develop. Mills would be one such option that fits the profile.
He isn’t ready to play right now. There are several issues to work through in his game. His mechanics and footwork get too lazy at times. Being able to evaluate defenses and adjust pre-snap is something else he needs to sharpen. Yet there is an undercurrent of belief he will be a starter in the NFL at some point. If not for two knee injuries suffered early in his Stanford career, he’d likely be a bigger name right now. This could be why the Chicago Bears are interested.
They smell an opportunity.
It isn’t hard to see the picture unfolding. Sign Dalton to steer the ship this year. Then take Mills in the 2nd or 3rd round this April. He spends a year on the bench learning behind a solid veteran and perhaps assumes the mantle in 2022. Not a terrible plan. One that other teams have enacted in the past. It’ll depend on whether DeFilippo liked what he saw and heard from the QB out in California.