Why didn’t the Chicago Bears meet Deshaun Watson? It’s not really a secret that they reportedly have interest in the Clemson quarterback. The entire hierarchy of GM Ryan Pace, head coach John Fox, offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains and QB coach Dave Raggone were at his pro day. Yet as the days went by there was a curious question floating around. Why is there no word of them meeting with him privately?

One would think that’s kind of important if they view him as a potential first round pick. A top five pick at that. Still nothing. Not a single peep from any notable outlets. Even Watson himself denied any personal visits with the team as the draft draws closer. However, information has leaked that says otherwise.

Along with Aaron Leming of Bear Report, Sports Mockery confirmed from a source that the Bears did indeed meet privately with Watson. Just last week as a matter of fact.

BREAKING: Our source has confirmed @AaronLemingNFL's report of the Chicago Bears meeting secretly with Deshaun Watson in Chicago last week.

— ✶ Sports Mockery ✶ (@sportsmockery) April 26, 2017

The source went on to say that the team initially meant to hide the information. There was a slip up and that’s how it came to light. Of course the inevitable question becomes why would Watson and the Bears hide this information? It doesn’t make a ton of sense.

Why Bears meeting Deshaun Watson would be kept quiet

In truth there are a few reason why they’d want this information suppressed. The most basic being simple misdirection. The less other teams know about what you have planned, the better the odds of getting the player you want. If another team further down the board found out the Bears were planning to take Watson, that increases the odds of a team trading up to snatch him first. Don’t forget the San Francisco 49ers have been quite public about their desires to move down from #2.

Then there is the other aspect of the Bears trading down. Most view Watson as being unworthy of the #3 overall pick. Perhaps there is a chance Chicago thinks the same. That would mean they feel it’s possible to get him a bit further down the board. Again presuming they’re able to keep the matter quiet. Thus not only do they still get their desired QB, they also get an extra high draft pick or two.

The NFL draft has always been compared to a high stakes poker game. For those who aren’t familiar with the game, there is a simple philosophy all the great players share.

If you don’t have to show your hand, don’t.

There is no upside to the Bears revealing that they met with Watson. Again assuming they do indeed have interest in him. The more other teams know about this interest, the likelier that what Pace and his front office have planned gets nixed by something out of their control. Will it matter in the end?

Probably not. Odds are Watson will be there at #3 overall. If the Bears are truly in on him, then that’s going to be the pick… and if you look at a lot of the final mock drafts floating around, many others agree.

The Chicago Bears Deshaun Watson connection runs deep by this point. Weeks ago it was established that the Clemson star was the likely preferred target of the franchise as their potential future franchise QB. Not surprising. His incredible production, 28-2 record between 2015 and 2016, and national championship victory over Alabama checked every box for what GM Ryan Pace claims to look for in a quarterback.

Rumors continue to persist that the team remains interested, but may not be willing to venture the risk. Not at #3 overall anyway. This would explain why the Bears are so intent on trying to move down via trade. That would provide a better player-for-pick value. Not as much of a perceived “reach.” It makes plenty of sense on paper.

That said it also may come with a stern warning. Not from the draft experts either. From Watson himself.

Bears Deshaun Watson relationship rests on a promise

The young quarterback comes across as cool, humble and genuine in his interview. That, however, belies how relentless a competitor he is. One does not win so many close games as he has without a stubborn refusal to be anything less than the best. That would explain his comments when asked about his comparison to fellow top quarterback, Mitch Trubisky of North Carolina.

In an interview with Good Morning Football on the NFL Network, he basically warned the Bears and other NFL teams that they would regret passing on him.

“You’re gonna have to live with the consequences that come with it. That’s how I see it,” Watson responded. “I try to stay in my lane. I try not to take the path. I respect Mitch and what he’s done and all the hype he’s getting, but at the same time, my result speaks for itself. I feel like I’ve accomplished everything that I could. I guess if that’s who they’re gonna roll with, so be it.”

Shades of Manning

This comes across as a clear look into the man’s mind. An unbreakable self-confidence and quiet assurance that he’s going to succeed no matter where he ends up. It reflects a similar mentality to none other than the great Peyton Manning. His statement to the Indianapolis Colts prior to the 1998 draft still resonate with people and remains a treasured story to this day.

‘I’ll leave you with this thought: If you take me, I promise you we will win a championship. If you don’t, I promise I’ll come back and kick your ass.’

Of course being in front of cameras, Watson wasn’t going to say it like that. Nonetheless that’s almost the exact same meaning behind his words. Find any excuse you need to not do it, but don’t cry and moan in five years when I’m leading my team to a Super Bowl. This is the sort of bravado teams want in their quarterbacks, which is why Watson is loved by scouts everywhere. Even in spite of his physical shortcomings.

Every NFL team wants a leader under center. Somebody who refuses to accept anything less than the best from teammates and himself. Watson proved he was that guy in college. Are the Bears willing to let him prove it again in the NFL?