Former NFL Scout Predicts A Big Tyson Bagent Game Vs. Raiders

The Chicago Bears head into Sunday with low expectations from the national media. They're 1-5, just lost at home to Minnesota, and won't have starting quarterback Justin Fields due to a dislocated thumb. The offense will turn to undrafted rookie Tyson Bagent to carry the load against a Las Vegas Raiders team that boasts the 8th-best pass defense in the NFL. Maxx Crosby is a top-5 pass rusher, and Chicago won't have two of their starting offensive linemen, Braxton Jones and Nate Davis. It's not an ideal situation.

Most people expect little from Bagent. He's a rookie making his first start and comes from a Division II program at Shepherd. He's barely played against this caliber of competition before. The Bears must do everything possible to keep the pressure off his shoulders. Run the ball, use play action, and give him as many easy completions as possible. If they can get him into some rhythm, maybe something happens. Former Bears scouting director Greg Gabriel wrote on Windy City Gridiron that people are getting too caught up in where Bagent came from.

They're not seeing how capable the young quarterback is.

"I know, I know, many of you are saying, "How can a D-II player who went undrafted make a splash in the NFL?" I get it, and it's a fair question. The answer is simple. He can make a splash, and maybe even a big splash, because of one thing all players in the NFL need and that is… this kid has talent! And not just a little talent; he has a lot of it, he just needs to show it...

...Why do I feel that Bagent will perform well? He has the traits that every scout looks for when evaluating a quarterback. His size is excellent (6031- 213) with 4.78 speed, quick feet and maneuverability. He has a quick overhand delivery with good arm strength, throws with anticipation, is accurate, and has excellent poise. Tyson also has strong self-confidence in what he can do. He believes he can be a good NFL quarterback...

...So why wasn't he drafted? The answer is primarily because of his D-II background. It's not like D-II quarterbacks have a history of coming into the League and playing well. Tyson Bagent could very well be the exception.

I have no idea how good or bad Bagent will play, but I strongly believe he will perform well."

Tyson Bagent has nothing to lose.

It's not like he is trying to keep the Bears afloat in the playoff race. They're 1-5. The season is all but over. He can go into this game without fear of ruining the team's hopes if he loses. It will be at home, so crowd noise won't be a problem. The big challenge is whether he can play under control. When he replaced Fields last week, it was apparent that he was a bit jittery in the pocket. His footwork was all over the place, leading to some passes getting away from him. This time, he will have a full week to prepare and a game plan built around what he does best.

Las Vegas will try to put him under heat and confuse him. They know rookies tend to make mistakes, and mistakes lead to turnovers. Tyson Bagent had two against Minnesota. He must try to avoid that problem in this game without losing his willingness to be aggressive. It's a tricky line to walk. Still, his years of starting experience in college prepared him for this moment. He knows what he can do and believes in his preparation. All he needs is the opportunity. It's almost at hand.