Insurance QBs The Chicago Bears May Consider Drafting

The Chicago Bears won't draft a replacement for Justin Fields this year. He played well enough in 2022 to justify a third season and the team has too many holes elsewhere. That said, there is no crime against GM Ryan Poles adding to the position later in the draft. Call it insurance. Call it a developmental project or depth. Either way, there is no harm in the team taking a flier on a prospect that might have long-term viability in the league. With some good fortune, they might be a fallback plan if Fields fails to progress, as many experts fear.

The good news is there appears to be no shortage of such options this year. For what this draft class may lack in genuine star power, it makes up in depth. There will be some viable choices for the Bears when day three kicks off. They have two 4th and two 5th round picks. That serves as the ideal area for them to take a calculated gamble on a QB. Here are five they should be looking at.

The Chicago Bears should consider these QBs carefully.

Hendon Hooker (Tennessee)

There were conversations about Hooker approaching 1st round status with how he played during the 2022 season. He was gobbling up stats and beating mighty Alabama for the first time since 2006. Throwing 58 touchdowns and five interceptions across 24 games in the SEC should not be ignored. He also has more than enough mobility to average 500-600 yards rushing. Sadly his torn ACL means he will miss most, if not all, of the 2023 NFL season. That won't sit well with many teams. It's perfect for Chicago. They can stash him on the roster for a year while exploring Fields. If he continues to struggle, they'd have a 1st round talent waiting in the wings going into 2024. He's got the size, mobility, and accuracy you look for.

Jake Haener (Fresno State)

Some see him as another Brock Purdy. He doesn't have the size or arm strength you look for, but his mixture of poise, intelligence, and accuracy allows him to make most of the necessary throws in any offense. He has the ability to play in a timing and rhythm offense, knowing where and when receivers will come open. His mobility is also solid despite what his rushing numbers may say. His performance against a heavily superior Oregon State last season showcases his ability to rise to the occasion.

Clayton Tune (Houston)

In many ways, Tune is the opposite of Fields as a passer. He doesn't have the arm strength or deep ball accuracy, but he's far better at navigating the pocket while throwing with timing and accuracy. He processes things very well, going through progressions quickly to find the open man. He'll take what the defense gives him and string together positive plays. He's also athletic, topping 500 yards rushing in 2022. His leadership shines in big games, as his two bowl victories prove, with both needing 4th quarter rallies.

Stetson Bennett (Georgia)

Some guys simply know how to win. People will talk about him playing on a loaded roster, but the fact is Georgia doesn't win back-to-back national championships without Bennett making some absolute money plays when the chips were down. He's not big enough. He doesn't have a strong enough arm. He's too old. Yet the guy makes plays. He throws with great accuracy and anticipation, operates well from the pocket, and can take off running when required. Bennett isn't Joe Burrow. However, he is also not the kind of quarterback you want to bet against.

Tyson Bagent (Shepherd)

Every year there is that one small school prospect that seems to bring exciting traits to the table. Bagent is that guy. His 17,000 yards and 171 touchdowns rewrote record books. It wasn't all thanks to a clever scheme, either. His arm strength is not normal for a Division II quarterback. The ball comes out with zip, and his accuracy isn't bad. Mobility isn't a problem as he can move around, buying time. The big concern with him, as it is with every QB from that level, is whether he can handle the significant speed increase of the NFL level. He won't have the same amount of time he enjoyed at Shepherd.