By this point it's no secret the Chicago Bears are on the prowl for a new quarterback. Jay Cutler still has fans supporting him, but that crowd has shrunk considerably over the past year. Part of the reason being he suffered through yet another bout of injuries, regressed in his decision-making and turns 34 in April. Speculation has already begun about who might replace him. Will it be a free agent? A trade acquisition (irony!). Or most likely a top draft choice from pool of young college prospects. Names like Mitch Trubisky, Deshone Kizer or Deshaun Watson.
By far the hottest name of late is Watson. A byproduct of his unforgettable performance in the national championship game, leading Clemson in an upset of mighty Alabama. He's been considered a top prospect since last year but this is the icing on the cake. The question becomes has he done enough to warrant being taken by a Chicago with the #3 pick.
Many passionately caution against that, warning that a great college career doesn't automatically make a top NFL quarterback. At the same time, some experts believe there is a big reason Watson will rise on boards. Particularly for a team like Chicago. (continue to next page from top)
Opposite Direction
Jeff Dickerson of ESPN talked with former NFL player and current college football analyst Brock Huard about the upcoming quarterback class. The focus was on what each big name brings to the table and whether they might fit with the Bears or not. What he said about Watson was fascinating, and he even used a surprising example to hammer home how it would be in Chicago."Deshaun is NFL ready. He is phenomenal off the field. He's the anti-Jay Cutler. He would be a breath of fresh air for the Bears. He would come into that organization and people would just gravitate towards him. He's a lot longer and more athletic than people think. He's very gifted athletically, and I think he's a smooth passer that makes every NFL throw. There will be a transition from their scheme at Clemson to the NFL level, but when Nick Saban says that preparing for Watson was as difficult as preparing for Cam Newton, people take notice."Skeptics will immediately come back with their wisecracks. About Watson not being Cutler in that he's not overly big and doesn't have an elite arm. Let them. What he means is Watson is a leader of men and example for a program in every way that Cutler was not and has not been. He carries himself with a confidence and degree of expectation on the field. Teammates have told stories of his efforts off the field to build unity.
