Why Jake Fromm to the Bears Is Something to Take Seriously

The Chicago Bears weren't about to tip their hand on what they plan to do at quarterback in 2020 right after this past season ended. Yes, they committed to Mitch Trubisky as their starter because they didn't really have much choice. Saying they planned to do different wouldn't have done them any favors in free agency or the draft. That doesn't mean they won't think about adding some competition. This is why somebody like Jake Fromm will be part of the conversation in the months to come.

For those who aren't totally into college football or the draft, here's a brief rundown. Fromm has been the starting quarterback at Georgia for the past three years. During that time he's gotten them to the College Football Playoff twice and the national championship game. He's thrown for over 8,200 yards with 78 touchdowns and 18 interceptions. Unquestionably the most successful quarterback in the program's history and also one of the most experienced in the 2020 draft class.

So what does this have to do with the Bears, outside of their obvious need for a quarterback? Well, there are a few reasons to believe that the team has their eyes on him. Reasons that should be taken more seriously as the draft draws closer this spring.

Chicago Bears have several factors in play with Fromm

Ryan Pace's Georgia connection

In case people haven't taken notice yet, Bears GM Ryan Pace seems to have a strong affinity for players who go to Georgia. In his career since 2016, he has drafted no fewer than four players from there in Leonard Floyd, Javon Wims, Roquan Smith, and Riley Ridley. So would anybody be the least bit surprised if he's had extra eyes on Fromm given how often he seems to watch that program? It seems like such an obvious connection at this point.

Matt Nagy's Georgia connection

It turns out Pace isn't the only person in the Bears organization with ties to the Georgia quarterback program. Head coach Matt Nagy can make that claim as well. He's seen the type of players they produce at the position. In fact, his former team the Kansas City Chiefs drafted one back in 2014. Aaron Murray was another highly successful player for the Bulldogs. One with a similar skillset to Fromm, though Fromm is more talented. Murray spent two seasons as a backup with the Chiefs. So Nagy got a chance to learn how Georgia works with their QBs.

Price tag

This last part can't be overlooked. Fromm is widely viewed as a likely Day 2 pick in the coming draft. That means he'll go somewhere in the 2nd or 3rd round range. The Bears have two picks in the 2nd round, so they could have at least one opportunity to take him. Maybe two. That should make for a fascinating scenario for Pace as he evaluates what he wants to do at quarterback. If he feels he can get him for cheap, say after a trade down into the 3rd? The odds go up significantly.