Everybody knows the story by now. The Chicago Bears traded up from #3 overall to #2 in a deal with the San Francisco 49ers to draft North Carolina quarterback Mitch Trubisky in 2017. It was a bombshell of a moment. One that had been in the works for months. GM Ryan Pace had become enamored with Trubisky during his evaluation process the previous year. He believed that what the 22-year old lacked in experience, he made up for in tenacity, grit, and dedication.
Most people today believe that the Bears didn't really even consider one of the two other quarterbacks available in that draft. It was always Trubisky. However, such a narrative isn't exactly clear. While Pace did prefer him, he was not going to make his move without evaluations from his front office and scouts. It wasn't until they all returned favorable reviews of Trubisky that he became convinced. However, up until that point, another quarterback was high on their list.
Dan Wiederer and Rich Campbell of the Chicago Tribune explained in an outstanding article.
"A day later and 1,500 miles away in Texas, Mahomes showcased his ridiculous arm talent in his private workout. He even pulled out some of the no-look throws he later flashed during his rise to stardom with the Chiefs. At dinner, his swagger was undeniable.
Pace and his staff liked so much about Mahomes and admired his Ben Roethlisberger-like ability to make strong downfield throws with defenders hanging on him. On the Bears’ final draft board, Mahomes was their No. 2 quarterback, in the team’s top “cloud” of prospects that also included Trubisky, Solomon Thomas, Jamal Adams, Leonard Fournette and Christian McCaffrey."
Ryan Pace went with his gut rather than the data
That close. The Bears were that close to securing one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in recent NFL history. In the end, it's clear that Pace became enamored with the player as a person than what he'd accomplished on the field. Mahomes was viewed as a true gunslinger out of Texas Tech with an incredible right arm. He racked up all sorts of stats and highlights during his time as a starter. Teams were wary of his backyard style but felt that if he could learn to play more disciplined, he had Hall of Fame potential.
Pace clearly saw that as well. Despite that, Trubisky still won out in the end. Now the Bears offense ranks among the worst in the NFL and the 25-year old quarterback is a key reason why. He continues to look overwhelmed by the speed and complexity of the pro level. Defenses have no fear of him and continue to employ the same countermeasures that have frustrated him since the season began. This has inevitably put the Bears GM under a white-hot microscope. Especially as Mahomes continues to deliver ridiculous highlights each week.
