Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Pace has been dealin this offseason. With a boatload of cash, Pace has signifigantly strengthened the offensive line, created depth among the tight ends, strengthened the defensive line and linebacking core, as well as added to the secondary. Now with many thinking the team to continue to add to the defense, but are the Bears set to draft a QB?
Most have predicted that the Bears would eventually draft a quarterback in this draft, but in the later rounds, and would have a ceiling as a backup. But in Daniel Joseph’s latest mock draft on NFL.com, he has the Bears set to draft a quarterback with their first round pick.
Now this isn’t the first time I’ve written about the Bears selecting a QB with their first choice in the draft, and I’ve even mentioned Carson Wentz as a target. He is a naturally gifted guy, almost in a Jay Cutler like mold. He is tall, has a strong arm and a strong frame. He’s athletic, and has the ability to move the pocket like Cutler can.
What is attractive is, Wentz wouldn’t need to start right away. He could learn while playing behind Jay, and naturally catapult into the starters role similarly to Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay (no I’m not predicting he will be as good as Aaron).
This would give the Bears flexibility with Jay Cutler as well. His contract becomes easier and easier to cut in the next couple of seasons. The team can continue on with Jay behind center, who has exceeded thus far in John Fox’s offensive scheme, until they are certain Wentz is ready to step in.
And let’s face the facts Bears fans, the arch of Jay’s career isn’t inline with the arch of the Bears plans. Jay is getting older, and if there were questions about a 30 year old Jay Cutler, there will certainly be questions about a 35 year old Cutler. In digesting these ideas, drafting an heir apparent now makes more and more sense.
The biggest fear with this is, Jay taking his ball and going home. He did this in Denver, which is how the Bears were able to bring him here in the first place. If the Bears draft a quarterback in the first round, could Jay pull the trade me card again? He’s not exactly the mentoring type, and while players over the past several years have spoken very highly of him, one would caution a franchise to not give him the responsibility of teaching a young leader how to succeed in the NFL.
There will certainly be six or seven more mock drafts between now and the real draft, but it sure is fun to speculate.
