The Chicago Bears are preparing for one of their most important drafts in a long time. One that could determine if they can avoid another rebuild in the near future. Much of it hinges on what they do at quarterback. GM Ryan Pace and head coach Matt Nagy haven’t said anything, but what comments they’ve offered sent a clear enough signal. The Bears will come out of this draft with a QB.
It’s a matter of when they grab him. This has led to a ton of dot-connecting by analysts and insiders. Knowing the type of guy Pace is, almost all of them agree on the same course of action. Chicago is going to trade up in the 1st round. The objective to be grabbing one of the top five QBs who are expected to land somewhere in the first 10 picks. Pace has traded up in the 1st round twice before. It’s almost a no-brainer.
Will it happen though?
Some aren’t entirely sure. Going from #20 into the top 10 isn’t easy. There aren’t many teams who might be willing to fall that far down the board, even for a lot of future draft capital. It isn’t easy to envision and for what it’s worth the Bears haven’t been the ones feeding these rumors. Could they move up? Yes. It is far from a lock though. There is another scenario in play that is just as likely.
Taking a quarterback in the 2nd round. This year seems to be unusually rich in QB options who could go early on the second day of the draft. What makes this idea even more interesting? The Bears haven’t taken a quarterback in the 2nd round since 1973. A span of 48 years. Only the New York Giants have a longer drought, having not done so since 1953. That is an exceedingly long time.
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Ryan Pace would be gambling a lot on Matt Nagy and his staff
While 2nd round players have talent, they’re in the 2nd round for a reason. It’s because teams didn’t feel they were worth the risk of grabbing earlier. Since 2000, there have been 22 quarterbacks drafted there. To date, only five can be argued to have panned out.
- Drew Brees
- Colin Kaepernick
- Andy Dalton
- Jimmy Garoppolo
- Derek Carr
Brees is a Hall of Famer but it should be noted he would’ve been a 1st round pick today, having gone 32nd overall in 2001. Kaepernick went to a Super Bowl. As did Garoppolo. Dalton made three Pro Bowls. As did Carr. So it’s possible to find good players at that position. It’s just difficult and involves a ton of risk. Ryan Pace would really have to trust Matt Nagy’s eye for the position if this is the direction they do end up going.
Their options this year all have promise but come with questions.
Davis Mills of Stanford has the size and arm strength but knee problems and started only 11 games. Kyle Trask of Florida is the best pocket guy of the three with good accuracy but also average arm strength and lacking athleticism. Kellen Mond is the most experienced and most athletic but seems too robotic as a passer and has no touch on his deep throws.
Pace better choose carefully. His job is on the line after all.
