Chicago Bears 2021 Draft Scouting Report: Florida QB Kyle Trask

The Nick Foles era has begun. Mitch Trubisky may still take snaps in 2020 for this team, but his time with the organization is clearly nearing at an end. The big question is how will this impact the Chicago Bears 2021 draft plans? Foles is 32-years old and has never started a full season in his career. Would it make sense for them to think about grabbing a QB early to learn behind him? It's not a crazy thought. So it becomes a challenge to find out who that might be. GM Ryan Pace doesn't exactly have the hottest track record evaluating quarterbacks. Maybe the presence of Matt Nagy will help him. Either way, it's a decision they cannot afford to get wrong. Here is a look at one of their potential options in Florida standout Kyle Trask.

Chicago Bears 2021 draft look at Florida's Kyle Trask

Strengths:

• Size is what NFL teams look for. Stands a good 6'5 with solid body mass. Should be able to take the hits.
• Throwing motion is tight and compact. Routinely shows ability to get the ball out fast, even in congested pockets.
• Accuracy is pretty consistent. Hits where he's aiming it most of the time. Gives his receivers a chance.
• Does a strong job of navigating the pocket. Not afraid to stall tall and move around. Never too quick to take off and run.

This play demonstrates most of what makes Trask an exciting prospect. Watch his feet. He senses the pressure coming from the right. He doesn't panic, shuffles up to avoid rusher, resets his feet, and is able to deliver an accurate ball despite a congested pocket. The pass is threaded between two defenders for a big game. Maybe a questionable decision, but a terrific play.

• Not a pure runner by any stretch but he's mobile enough to extend plays and scramble when necessary.
• Decisiveness is a plus. Not prone to holding the football forever. When he finds the throw, he cuts it loose.
• Extensive experience in a pro-style system. Shows advanced footwork mechanics and play-fake knowledge.
• Doesn't tend to panic too often. Trusts his protection enough to not rush his throws.
• Field vision appears satisfactory. Usually able to find the open man despite cluttered coverages in the SEC.

Weaknesses:

• Decision-making tends to stray into gunslinger territory. Delivers a lot of throws he won't get away with in the pros.
• Arm strength isn't bad but it's not A-grade. This is reflected in his rather average deep ball. Accuracy and velocity are both meh.
• Ball placement seems erratic at times. Too often his throws are behind receivers. Needs to be better about leading them.
• A bit slow in going through his progressions. Sometimes locks onto one receiver rather than looking for another option.
• Spin on the ball is awkward. A lot of his throws come out wobbly, which raises questions about hand size. 

Pro comparison: Daniel Jones

Jones was a bit of a late-riser in 2019 out of Duke. Nobody will be caught by surprise with Trask. That said, the two share a lot in common. Similar size and builds, decent but not overpowering arms, and much more polished as quarterbacks than is typical for guys in college. They navigate the pocket well, show solid footwork, and aren't overly bothered by pressure. One could say Trask is considerably better at protecting the football too.

Projection: 1st Round

Barring an injury or complete collapse, Trask will go somewhere in the 1st round next spring. Everything lines up that way. His production has been strong. He's got the size and mobility teams look for. He'll be battled-tested across two years in the best conference in college football. Unless he completely flubs the interview process, the kid will end up a top 32 pick somewhere in April.