First QB Emerges Among Chicago Bears Pre-Draft Meetings

GM Ryan Poles didn't dodge the subject. While he stated Justin Fields is the planned starting quarterback for the Chicago Bears in 2023, that won't stop the team from evaluating every prospect in this draft class. That includes the QBs. The first proof of this surfaced when sources revealed the Bears had met with Appalachian State standout Chase Brice down at the Hula Bowl in Orlando, Florida. He isn't one of the hot names out there, but it isn't hard to notice where the intrigue comes from.

Brice was originally at Clemson but got stuck behind Trevor Lawrence. He transferred to Duke but didn't like the offensive system there. So he took advantage of the extra year of COVID eligibility and transferred again, this time to Appalachian State. Things finally clicked for him. He threw 54 touchdowns and 17 interceptions over the past two seasons, leading his team to a 10-4 record in 2021.

The appeals center around his 6'3 size, strong arm, quick release, and decent accuracy. He seems capable of reading coverages and making snap decisions. He's not a runner but mobile enough to pick up yards on scrambles. His comfort in the pocket has clearly improved from a few years ago.

The Chicago Bears are likely digging deep on Day 3 option.

Those players will either be 4th to 7th round draft picks or undrafted free agents. Nathan Peterman isn't somebody they want around next year. Trevor Siemian might stick around, but the Bears may also want to at least get a developmental option on the roster behind Fields. Brice has flashed big-game ability during his college career. He engineered a big upset of 14th-ranked Coastal Carolina in 2021, one of the team's two losses all year. Then last year, he racked up six touchdown passes against North Carolina in a narrow 63-61 defeat.

The sign of any good player is how they perform against good competition. Whenever Brice found such a challenge, he seemed to play his best football. That might be a big reason the Chicago Bears like him. They feel that a more professional environment with good talent around him might lead to something more. It will be something to watch moving forward. Once the Bears get into the third day of the draft this April, keep his name in mind.