There is one overarching question regarding the Chicago Bears and their NFL draft plans. It's no secret they're likely to focus their efforts on offense. Needs still exist at wide receiver, offensive line, and tight end. Even running back could use a boost. What people aren't entirely sure about is what GM Ryan Pace will do at the quarterback position. He already spent the team's 4th round pick this year to trade for Nick Foles. Together with Mitch Trubisky, that gives them two QBs to roll with for 2020.
Do they want a third?
It's important to remember that Trubisky is in the final year of his rookie contract. Unless the Bears pick up his fifth-year option, which seems unlikely at this point, then it might make sense for them to add another arm to the mix. One they can develop either as a future backup or even starter depending on how the competition goes. This might be difficult with only two picks before the 5th round. Still, there are ways they might create more. Or they could simply grab one in the 2nd round.
Sources informed me that the team does have a list of names that have their interest. Chicago expects four quarterbacks to go in the 1st round. While the ranking of who they like best is unclear, the names given were Jalen Hurts (Oklahoma), Jacob Eason (Washington), Jake Fromm (Georgia), Anthony Gordon (Washington State), James Morgan (Florida International) and Nate Stanley (Iowa).
Chicago Bears likely will play the board as it falls
Hurts and Eason are considered likely Day 2 picks this month with the 2nd round being their sweet spot. Fromm, Gordon, and Morgan are the wild cards. They could go as high as the 3rd round or fall to the 4th or 5th range. It is a difficult class to predict. There is a lot of talent among those names, but also a lot of question marks
Hurts is the best scrambler in the class with elite character traits. He's also an average thrower of the football with limited arm strength and questionable accuracy.
Eason is big with a strong arm and can hit almost any throw in the playbook. The trouble is his decision-making leaves a lot to be desired.
Fromm is the consummate leader who thrives under pressure. Sadly his physical talent doesn't match the competitor he is.
Gordon had huge shoes to fill at Washington State after Gardner Minshew left. He responded by breaking all the single-season passing records. Is he ready though? Gordon only started one season.
Morgan is the pre-draft darling.
Somebody who's gained a ton of momentum thanks to strong showings at the East-West Shrine Game and scouting combine. His arm strength is top of the line, but there are lingering concerns about his fundamentals.
Stanley? He was a steady, guiding presence for Iowa over three years. He won some big football games in that time and has a decent arm. His accuracy though and lack of mobility are notable issues.
All of these quarterbacks have promise. The Chicago Bears employ a coaching staff rich in QB specialists. So it would make sense if they desired to scoop one up they see as a potential long-term solution. Pace has never drafted a quarterback outside the 1st round. So it would be a major moment were it to happen. Odds are the way the board falls will determine everything.
Chicago could easily prioritize other more-pressing needs. It's not like whoever they draft will be able to help them in 2020 anyway. So it all depends on how much they trust Foles or Trubisky in the long-term.
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