The Chicago Bears have not drafted a quarterback in the first round for 14 years now. They haven't even drafted one above the fourth round in 12 years. If people were wondering where all the problems could be traced with this team, a lack of investment at the moment important position certainly stands out. Will GM Ryan Pace finally break that streak? This is what people want to know. He's said for two years that he'd love to start adding quarterbacks via the draft. Yet for two years he's done no such thing. A total of 15 picks and counting with a single one. People are starting to wonder if he might be dancing around the subject, becoming much like previous GMs, unwilling to invest valuable draft resources there. Content to keep trying the free agent route with guys like Mike Glennon. That may be about to change though. There are increasing signs that the Bears could indeed go after a quarterback early in the draft this April. One name that is rising up the list fast is Deshaun Watson. Chicago had four major representatives at his pro day, including their quarterbacks coach Dave Ragone. There are many reasons to think he could be the guy they covet. Including ones people might not realize. [video width="1280" height="720" mp4="https://www.sportsmockery.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Deshaun-Watson-Clemson-QB-2017-NFL-Combine-Highlights.mp4"][/video]

Combine standout

One thing that has been consistent about the Bears during their two years under Pace as GM? They tend to target standout athletes in the first round. Specifically ones who performed well at the NFL scouting combine. It was true of Kevin White in 2015 and again of Leonard Floyd in 2016. Watson falls into that same category. He ranked among the best performers in every drill and test from speed to passing. Of course the combine isn't the primary source of confirmation, but it is the final test and he aced it. [video width="1280" height="720" mp4="https://www.sportsmockery.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Clemsons-Game-Winning-Drive-Vs-Alabama-●-2017-Championship.mp4"][/video]

Winner

Both Pace and Fox have said separate of each other what their number one traits are when looking at quarterbacks:  winning. When Fox was asked what he looked for in a starter? "One that wins." When Pace was asked what he looks for in a draft pick. One that "elevated the program." There is no getting around the fact that this is what Watson did from the moment he stepped on the field. Clemson went from an occasional big bowl contender to the class of college football. In two seasons as their starter, Watson lost just two games. Both times his offense put up 40 or more points. This is not a man who likes to lose. Several victories during that stretch involved comebacks in the fourth quarter. When the pressure ratchets up, Watson seems to get better. These are what NFL quarterbacks must be like. [video width="854" height="480" mp4="https://www.sportsmockery.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Scouting-Deshaun-Watson-Clemson-QB-Bucky-Brooks-Draft-Notebook-NFL-Now.mp4"][/video]

Marcus Mariota comparisons

Being compared to somebody like Marcus Mariota is never a bad thing. The young man is clearly a gifted quarterback destined to be a Pro Bowler at the NFL level. He proved that much last year. Several draft analysts have already come out stating that Watson mirrors a lot of the same qualities:  an athletic passer, insanely productive and carries himself with a quiet confidence. This is significant for another reason as well. Ryan Pace wanted Mariota back in 2015.

“I think you have to watch a lot of tape on those guys to feel good with it,” Pace said then. “And we’ve done enough research on him that I think he’s a good quarterback. That [system at Oregon] doesn’t scare me away from it at all.”

Word was rampant that the Bears were exploring a possible trade up to get him, but the price was way too high. This time around Chicago has the high position they didn't have before. If Watson is indeed another Mariota-type, then one must imagine Pace has taken notice.

The Drew Brees shout out

Watson could've credited any number of quarterbacks for giving him the inspiration on finding success. Drew Brees is of course an excellent choice. The man overcame a torn rotator cuff and being let go by his original team to forge a Hall of Fame career that included shattered passing records and a Super Bowl title. He knows a thing or two about overcoming stereotypes. What makes this shout out so interesting is everybody knows Brees is the standard by which Ryan Pace will measure his quarterback targets, having watched him for eight years in New Orleans as a scout and executive.

Clemson luck charm

Many people don't know this but the college of Clemson has actually been really good to the Bears in years past. A number of players made notable contributions to the team. Donnell Woolford became a Pro Bowl cornerback for them in the 1990s. Williams "The Refrigerator" Perry was an icon in the middle of that 1985 Bears defense. In fact things go even deeper than that. Chicago actually had a Clemson quarterback on the roster when they won the Super Bowl that year. None other than backup Steve Fuller, who just happened to wear #4. [video width="1280" height="720" mp4="https://www.sportsmockery.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Fowlers-historic-leadoff-homer.mp4"][/video]

Dexter Fowler

He will go down as one of the great heroes in Chicago sports history. Dexter Fowler was the do-it-all center fielder for the 2016 World Series champion Cubs. His superb defense and ability as a lead-off batter were absolutely critical to their iconic run to the curse-breaking title. Sadly the business of baseball took Fowler elsewhere, but his place is already secure in Windy City lore. So what does he have to do at all with Deshaun Watson? They were born in the same town. Each came into the world out of Gainesville, Georgia. Perhaps that city could be the gift that keeps on giving for Chicago.

Already wears "blue" and orange

Okay TECHNICALLY it's orange and purple but close enough right? Blue is at least part of what makes up the color purple. It's something that won't be unfamiliar to him. Watson wouldn't even have to change color schemes. The blue jerseys would just be a bit darker. It's an easy sell. Just imagine him in those 1940s throwbacks. Way more intimidating than the alternates he wore in college. Regardless it's just another sign that the fit is just so easy to make.