Everybody is focused on Caleb Williams and the other top names in the 2024 draft. The Chicago Bears included. However, there are more quarterbacks in this class beyond those select few. A responsible organization makes sure to always evaluate and meet with all of them. You never know when you might stumble into a gem. Ask Brock Purdy. So to hear GM Ryan Poles and his scouts were showing interest in a notable name at the Hula Bowl last month shouldn't be a surprise.
According to Ryan Fowler of The Draft Network, the Bears met with standout North Carolina Central quarterback Davius Richard at the event. While he came from one of the small schools, a Historically Black College (HBCU), it didn't stop him from turning heads. Richard looked good in practices all week and closed out the game to close out a 24-17 win for his team. While he didn't get a ton of playing time, he flashed a lot of what made him such an exciting talent, going 9-3 in his final season.
The Chicago Bears' interest in Richard is justified.
He's 6'2 and 220 lbs. So he has NFL size. Richard is also a standout athlete. His dual-threat capability was on full display last year, rushing for 630 yards and 18 touchdowns. One would see that and think he's a run-first guy. They would be unwise to think so. Richard can put serious velocity on the ball. It comes out of his hand with zip, showcasing an ability to fit it into tight windows. He threw 21 touchdowns and only four interceptions as a senior, protecting the football far better than he had the previous season.
No HBCU quarterback has been drafted to the NFL since Tarvaris Jackson in 2006. Richard hopes to break that streak. Given his small school background, it is more likely he will be a top target in undrafted free agency. The Chicago Bears have already shown a knack for finding small school gems at the position. Tyson Bagent proved that last year. If they think Richard has the traits necessary to compete on this roster, there is no crime in giving him an opportunity.
