Chicago Bears Coach Has Ties to Most Interesting QB of 2020 Draft

This time of year, NFL teams are set about one of the largest information-gathering campaigns in professional sports. Both free agency and the draft are approaching. Already the East-West Shrine Game has concluded with both the Senior Bowl and scouting combine on the horizon. Anything teams can get on certain players can be viewed as an advantage. This is why it might be beneficial to exploit certain school connections, either via a front office executive or even a coach. The Chicago Bears are no different.

Here's a perfect example. Recently, the team promoted Chris Jackson to become their new assistant wide receivers coach. The man himself played wide receiver in the NFL for a couple of years. Before that though, he was a productive player at Washington State University where he earned fame by helping the team reach the Rose Bowl in 1997 as his bio on Chicagobears.com says.

"Jackson played collegiately at Orange Coast College in 1995 before transferring to Washington State. In both 1996 and 1997, Jackson was a starter for the Cougars and was considered a favorite target of quarterback Ryan Leaf. In 1997 he recorded 54 catches for 1,005 yards and 11 touchdowns, helping the Cougars to a Pac-10 co-championship and a trip to the Rose Bowl."

Why is this significant? Namely because Jackson can provide the team certain inroads to WSU being an alum, granting them a more insider view of one of the most interesting quarterbacks in the 2020 draft class.

Chicago Bears must take notice of Anthony Gordon

Attention on Washington State increased over this past year thanks in large part because of the success of rookie quarterback Gardner Minshew down in Jacksonville. This marked the first time a quarterback from that program reached the NFL level and excelled since Drew Bledsoe. This had to make teams wonder if former head coach Mike Leach's eye for the position had improved. Especially since Gordon, the replacement to Minshew in 2019, put up even better numbers despite All-American left tackle Andre Dillard going pro.

Gordon finished with over 5,500 passing yards and 48 touchdowns this past season, completing over 71% of his throws. Draft experts have praised his strong arm, accurate passing, and ability to improvise when required. Like many young college QBs though, he lacks an understanding of how to process coverages and go through progressions. It would take time for him to learn, but there is a strong undercurrent of belief he has NFL starter potential.

Jackson, being a former wide receiver would know exactly what to look for and his connections to the university could get added access to Gordon others might not. Something for the Bears to think about if they do plan to start planning for a possible life after Mitch Trubisky.