Here’s the thing. Contrary to popular myth, not all good quarterbacks go at the top of the 1st round. There is plenty of evidence to verify that more than a few have slipped through the cracks over the years. Some of them all the way down to the bottom of a draft. The most recent being Gardner Minshew who went in the 6th round in 2019. He’s gone on to have a productive first two seasons despite playing on a bad Jacksonville team. He was also a quarterback the Chicago Bears were interested in.
This would suggest the team continues to keep their eyes open for potential hidden gems every year. Talent is important with quarterbacks like any other position. However, it’s not always critical to its success. Minshew is a perfect example. He isn’t the biggest guy. He’s not overly mobile and doesn’t boast a strong arm. Yet his accuracy and processing ability have helped him stand out.
Do the Bears have a potential lead on the next Minshew?
That could be a possibility. According to Zack Pearson of Bear Report, the team had a representative down at the SMU pro day. No doubt they were there to watch quarterback Shane Buechele throw. This young man is a fascinating story. After starting off his college career at Texas, he was benched in 2017 in favor of Sam Ehlinger due to injury problems. In 2019 he decided to transfer to Southern Methodist.
It proved to be a smart decision. Buechele blossomed there, throwing for over 7,000 yards, 57 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions in just 23 games. So why aren’t more people talking about him? Part of it is the smaller program he comes from but also his overall talent. Most view him as average in every area from size (6’1) to arm strength, and athleticism. Nothing stands out about him physically.
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Instead, his intelligence, instincts, field vision, leadership, and accuracy have stood out the most. Hearing that, one can understand why Bears head coach Matt Nagy would be interested. Minshew had those same exact qualities coming out of Washington State.
The #Bears will have someone at SMU’s Pro Day today. QB Shane Buechele among those participating.
— Zack Pearson (@Zack_Pearson) March 25, 2021
Chicago Bears are right to have interest in Buechele
He has all the earmarks of an overachiever. Somebody that gets the absolute most out of his limited physical abilities. Buechele also isn’t unfamiliar with professional sports. His father Steve Buechele played in the MLB for 11 seasons including four with the Chicago Cubs. That baseball background helps to explain why Buechele is so good at throwing from different angles.
There is also an ability to sense and avoid pressure that doesn’t get talked about enough. Nobody is saying drafting Buechele would magically turn into a superstar. Still, the kid can play. His tape shows somebody that understands the game and has enough talent to function if he has help around him. The Chicago Bears are wise to keep a close eye on him.
If he’s there at some point on Day 3, it’ll be worth the pick.
The time has come for this team to start taking more swings anyway. If nothing else, this could give them a potential long-term backup on the cheap. Buechele has the floor of somebody who can have an extensive career being the #2 guy on a team. Who knows. Maybe he gets an opportunity down the line and does something with it. Keep his name in mind.