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Chicago Bears: 3 Quarterbacks Bears Should Target

By Wanda Wiedman

Jan 30, 2016; Mobile, AL, USA; South squad quarterback Dak Prescott of Mississippi State (15) throws on the sidelines in he first quarter of the Senior Bowl at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 30, 2016; Mobile, AL, USA; South squad quarterback Dak Prescott of Mississippi State (15) throws on the sidelines in he first quarter of the Senior Bowl at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports /
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Quarterback Jay Cutler is entering his 8th season with the Chicago Bears. He has had his share of adversity with injuries and has endured ridicule from both media and fans alike. But he has also broken numerous franchise records

Jan 30, 2016; Mobile, AL, USA; South squad quarterback Dak Prescott of Mississippi State (15) throws a pass during warmups before the start of the Senior Bowl at Ladd-Pebbles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 30, 2016; Mobile, AL, USA; South squad quarterback Dak Prescott of Mississippi State (15) throws a pass during warmups before the start of the Senior Bowl at Ladd-Pebbles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports /

Despite how fans or media analysts feel towards Cutler, has been the quarterback the Bears have stood behind. It is not his fault that he lacked a strong offensive line and his demands to have one was ignored. However, despite struggling with turnovers throughout his career, he has matured and has embraced his leadership role for this team. John Fox is focused on Cutler and what he brings to the team, but they have to start thinking of the future.

Related Story: 5 Draft Prospects the Chicago Bears Should Target

The Bears have to look for a quarterback that they can groom for the next several years. The young quarterbacks coming out of the last few drafts have been thrown in to lead and command an offense without the proper training to succeed. If the Chicago Bears want to continue staying strong, they need to develop a young quarterback who will be ready to command an offense without blinking an eye. The 2016 NFL Draft is not equipped with high caliber, game-ready quarterbacks, but they do have some that can be developed.

The Bears have hosted several prospects in this years’ draft, but there are three that stand out the most. The first one is Dak Prescott of Mississippi State. He has great football I.Q and fantastic leadership skills. He has been on the rise since the Senior Bowl and has visited several teams by request. In 2015, Prescott completed 61 percent of his passes for 3,793 yards with 29 touchdowns and only five interceptions. He has either been compared to Tim Tebow or Donavon McNabb. Prescott has good throwing mechanics but needs to become a polished pocket passer.

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The second prospect is Mark Iannotti from Southern Illinois. He was not on the list of invited draftees to the Combine but he was noticed by the Bears to warrant a private workout. Iannotti ended his college career by completing 66 percent of his passes with 24 touchdowns and a passer rating of 144.4. So how is it that he is not on anyone else’s radar, especially draft guru Mike Mayock? This young man has spent the last few months working with renowned quarterback guru Jeff Christensen. Christensen is the one who created the new and improved Kirk Cousins.

Iannotti has improved his quickness release, stands at the perfect NFL height of 6′-2″ and 220 pounds. His leadership skills are off the charts and he prides himself on being consistent and accurate, which is something media analysts complained about when it came to Cutler. He showed coaches at Halas Hall how he can move in the pocket during drills. A great student of the game with a brilliant football mind. He is on the top list for me as one the Bears should seriously pursue.

The third and final prospect is Brandon Doughty of Western Kentucky. Doughty flourished in Western Kentucky’s spread offense throwing for a career 111 touchdowns and 5,055 yards. He finished with a 68.6 completion percentage which ranks 10th all-time in FBS history. Doughty has good size but small hands. During his career he lacked the NFL-caliber arm strength that the Bears are used to and needs more zip in his throws.

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He also needs to be comfortable in the pocket and not get rattled easy. Doughty has a strong understanding of the system against coverage and has the ability to drop deep balls in the basket. He had a great pro-day, was accurate in his throws and showed improvement in his in increased arm strength. He is a definite developmental candidate for the Bears and has a lot to bring to the table, a good reason for the Bears to invite him for a test run.

The Chicago Bears will not use a top pick for a quarterback, but they will be matriculate in who they choose, when they choose him, and if they have tested him in practice. Coach John Fox knows what he wants in a quarterback and he may find a diamond in the latter rounds.

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