Chicago Bears Prepare for the Future at Quarterback
Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Pace will look for the team’s quarterback of the future in this draft class.
Just because Peyton Manning retired at the age of 39, let’s not assume that Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler is planning on doing that anytime soon at the age of 33. However, the Bears can’t ignore the need to look at potential future franchise quarterbacks available in the draft. As a matter of fact they have been hosting several prospects and observed a few at particular Pro Days.
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The Bears have spoken to and observed the following quarterbacks at the Combine: Brandon Allen, Jacoby Brissett, Connor Cook, Christian Hackenberg, Kevin Hogan, Cody Kessler, Dak Prescott and Carson Wentz.
Whether or not the Bears see current backup David Fales as their future franchise starter, they are definitely keeping their options open in the event Cutler reverts back to the old ways or is injured. Let’s face it since Cutler has been with the Chicago Bears, he has injured his ankle, thumb, ribs, neck, knee, groin and out with a concussion. However, Cutler missed only one game in 2015. If the Bears solidify that front seven, he will most likely participate in all 16 games in 2016.
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The process of looking for an NFL-ready quarterback is not easy. The collegiate prospects strive in spread offenses which have given birth to quarterbacks, especially those who haven’t developed the pocket-passing poise to succeed in the NFL. It takes time and patience to groom such an investment for the long haul. In order for the Bears to succeed in the future, grooming a down-the-road replacement for Cutler has to begin now.
With all the quarterbacks the Bears have seen, there are a few that comes to mind that Chicago can draft in the middle rounds. One prospect is North Carolina State QB Jacoby Brissett. He has the cannon arm that can make every throw and has the ability to work in a pro-system. He has a great pocket presence but like many of the other prospective quarterbacks, it’s the mechanics, footwork and progression reads that need the most time to develop.
Brissett’s 40 was less than spectacular at a 4.94 but did well in his pro day throwing the ball in a 45-play workout. What is concerning about Brissett is how unaware he is on pre-snap blitzes coming off the edge. He will be eaten up in the NFL’s blitz heavy league if he is not prepared.
So are there any other options the Bears can take that give them some hope for the future in the middle rounds? The Bears don’t need a major fixer-upper, where they are teaching him all over again. They need a player who has the tools but with some refining, can step in if he needs to. He has to be able to pull off a win with confidence. The second obvious choice would be Jake Coker of Alabama State. At 6’5″ and 236 pounds, he has the size and accurate ability to threaten any defense in the league.
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No one can ignore his sound mechanics from the pocket or the tight spiral he can throw with solid ball placement. Coker could use some perfecting in pocket poise and learn how to throw the ball when off-balanced. He has the tendency to hold on to the ball too long but with training, will get into the habit of quick release under the Bears system. As the Bears prepare for their future quarterback, all eyes will be on Cutler’s successor, whoever that may be.