The scouting combine is about to begin. It’s one of the most highly-anticipated NFL offseason events. It’s also the first opportunity the media gets to talk with GMs and head coaches about the state of their teams and plans for the future. Of course Ryan Pace and John Fox weren’t about to betray any details, but their comments still offered plenty to go with.
It seems the team hasn’t given up on re-signing Alshon Jeffery, though they plan to let him test the market. Jay Cutler remains a fluid situation that won’t be clear until doctors give him a clean bill of health from shoulder surgery. His fate of course is tied to the quarterback position. Local media were dying to know what the two might have in mind as they look for the start Bears starter.
Given the fact that most of the top trade options and free agents are out of reach, everything seems funneled towards Chicago getting their guy in the draft. If that’s the case, then what Pace and Fox had to say regarding their ideal QB was revealing.
#Bears GM Ryan Pace on importance of wins & losses for college QBs: "I think about Brees when he was at Purdue & he elevated that program."
— Zach Zaidman (@ZachZaidman) March 1, 2017
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Intangibles Pace values from prospects: "Does he have that charisma? Does he have confidence? Is he naturally football-intelligent?" #Bears
— dan durkin (@djdurkin) March 1, 2017
Fox on type of QB he wants: "He raises all boats, as far as work ethic. When the horn goes off, he's not track shoes out of the building."
— Zach Zaidman (@ZachZaidman) March 1, 2017
If one were to apply those parameters to the top prospects in the 2017 class, an honest evaluation reveals just one name who fits the description. That being Clemson star Deshaun Watson. Most draft analysts have raved about his intelligence, poise, leadership and ultra-competitiveness. He’s a true gamer who always finds a way to keep his team alive.
