SHRINKING OPTIONS
Everybody can see what the direct impact of Garoppolo joining the Bears would be. What they might not be viewing is the potential domino effect it might have on the other teams. Particularly the 49ers and Browns. Their needs for a quarterback are just as pressing as Chicago, if not more so. If Garoppolo comes off the board, their options outside of the NFL draft instantly become more limited.
Kirk Cousins is the best free agent option but he’s expected to stay in Washington. Tyrod Taylor is garnering plenty of interest but there is still a strong possibility he stays with the Buffalo Bills. It’s unreasonable to think Tony Romo, who’s expecting to get released by Dallas, would join either of those teams given their clear lack of Super Bowl chances.
Source says Tony Romo expecting release, not trade, and believes he can start as #NFL QB 2-3 more seasons despite turning 37, injury history
— Ed Werder (@EdwerderRFA) February 16, 2017
So what’s left to them? Mike Glennon? Brian Hoyer? Jay Cutler? A.J. McCarron? None of those names inspire much confidence or excitement. Thus the pressure increases on both teams to consider using their top draft picks on a quarterback. Not something unheard of since the past two drafts have seen QBs go 1-2.
Subscribe to the BFR podcast and ride shotgun with Dave and Ficky as they break down Bears football like nobody else.
- 2015: Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota
- 2016: Jared Goff and Carson Wentz
Several draft experts continue to declare this NFL draft class is relatively weak at quarterback compared to others, but the talent level is still high. At least at the top. The primary weakness comes from its lack of depth. Outside of the first four names on the board, there really isn’t anybody in this class who looks like he could be a mid or late round pick and eventually become a starter. The Senior Bowl proved that much.
Then there is the other problem for Cleveland and San Francisco.
