A little under a month ago, I wrote that the Chicago Bears had representatives down at the pro day for Aurora University. This was rather interesting since it is a Division III school, and they don’t tend to garner lots of attention this time of year. That means somebody at the event had drawn their attention. Quick research revealed it to be quarterback Gavin Zimbelman. An unusual revelation since they already have Justin Fields.
Upon further evaluation, it became clear why the Bears were at least intrigued by the young man. He’d taken D-III by storm in 2019, throwing 57 touchdown passes in just 11 games. He also rushed for 414 yards and four additional scores, if that weren’t enough. Defenses had no answer for him, thanks to mobility, intelligence, and a surprisingly live arm that featured heat and accuracy.
Aurora QB Gavin Zimbelman throws 29 TD pass on 4th and 9 pic.twitter.com/OVtggU8bQg
— Frank Rajkowski (@rajko1973) November 23, 2019
And here is that highlight. Gavin Zimbelman to Brock Harner for 6. #d3fb pic.twitter.com/zI7kK5A97r
— D3football.com (@d3football) September 4, 2021
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It is difficult not to wonder what might’ve happened without the pandemic.
Zimbelman was three games into the 2020 season when the league was forced to shutter because of the COVID-19 outbreak. That cost him a vital opportunity to continue stockpiling good tape. Something that was later proven when he had an outstanding 2021 season with another 46 touchdown passes. It is hard to argue with such productivity that is rare even for players at that level. There is no doubt he’d be getting more attention if not for the big red flag.
He is only 5’10 in height. That is short for an NFL quarterback. Really short. Yes, there are certain exceptions to the rule, like Russell Wilson, Kyler Murray, and Drew Brees. Still, most NFL teams prefer guys 6’2 at a minimum or taller. It’d be one thing if Zimbelman were proving himself against Division I competition. Never having gotten that opportunity, he’s forced to rely on the hope he might get signed as an undrafted free agent or a training camp tryout.
The Chicago Bears have invited NFL draft prospect Gavin Zimbelman to their local pro day, per sources.
Zimbelman is a quarterback and played college football at Aurora University.
— Daniel Greenberg (@ChiSportUpdates) April 7, 2022
Gavin Zimbelman does have one advantage in his favor.
He had the good fortune of being born in close proximity to the Bears. He comes from Manteno, Illinois, only one hour south of Chicago. That allowed the team to extend an invite for him to attend their local pro day along with several other qualifying prospects—a priceless opportunity. Head coach Matt Eberflus and his staff already have three QBs under contract but having a young option they can stash on the practice squad is never a bad idea.
Somebody like Gavin Zimbelman makes perfect sense. He’d be cheap, easy to retain, and has the skillset that fits their new system under offensive coordinator Luke Getsy. With some time, he could develop into a quality NFL backup. Having it be a local kid would only make the story sweeter.
To say nothing of how much it’d mean to Zimbelman himself.
It is a fun story that at least has one more chapter leading up to the draft. Bears fans should keep the name in mind by the end of the month. Don’t be surprised if it pops up on their list of roster additions going into the summer.
