Mitchell Trubisky is the future quarterback for the Bears, that was cemented Thursday night after Chicago traded up to select him with the second overall pick. As fans wrestle with the quality of the pick, and the price Ryan Pace paid for it, let’s take a look at the current player that compares most favorably to Mitch.
According to his official draft profile on NFL.com, Trubisky is compared to former #1 overall pick Matthew Stafford. The two players are almost identical in size (6’2″, 225lbs) and they’ve got very similar combine results. Stafford jumped a little higher, Trubisky jumped a little farther and ran faster, outside of that they’re pretty close across the board. Here’s a few other things:
- Stafford had a 153.9 final season QB rating, Trubisky had a 157.9.
- Trubisky threw 30 TDs last year, Stafford didn’t throw 30 TDs ever in a college season.
- Stafford’s final season completion percentage was 61.4, Trubisky’s was 68!
- Trubisky averaged 8.3 per attempt in his career, Stafford 7.8.
As you can see, Trubisky compares very well to a former #1 overall pick that has now played in a Pro Bowl (2014). Looking at those numbers, you could argue Trubisky outplayed Stafford in their final seasons…. and he’s definitely a step faster.
One thing Stafford does hold over Trubisky is experience. He played in every single game while he was at Georgia, Trubisky only started a total of 13 and they were all his junior year. However, his sophmore year was also pretty interesting.
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Interesting Note: In 2015, Mitch Trubisky played in 9 games.
Comp % = 85.1
TD / INT = 6 / 0
Yards Per Att = 14.4
QB Rating = 226.4! pic.twitter.com/7plCIf1PJm— ✶ Sports Mockery ✶ (@sportsmockery) April 28, 2017
Isn’t it weird that all those numbers are so close, yet Detroit was applauded for taking Stafford while Chicago continues to get crucified in the national media for trading up to take Trubisky?
Here’s what Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay said about Stafford back in 2009….
Kiper pick: Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia — Stafford is worthy of being the No. 1 overall pick, thanks to his overall skill set.
McShay pick: Stafford — It appears the No. 1 pick is Stafford’s to lose. The gun-slinging quarterback can seal the deal if he overwhelms the Lions during upcoming individual workouts, film sessions and interviews.
They both unanimously agreed Stafford was the #1 overall pick due to “his skill set.” Yet, NFL.com chose that exact skill set to compare Trubisky to and the media acts like he had no business getting taken so high.
If the college numbers are the same, their physically the same and their combine results were roughly the same …. what makes Stafford worthy of being #1 overall and the Bears the laughing stock of the 2017 Draft?
Opinions.
This year, Kiper and McShay chose to back defensive players near the top of their board so all of Chicago is furious Pace took a player “they could have waited for.” And there lies the problem….
Pace was making arguably the most important draft choice for the Chicago Bears in the next half-decade, it was his job to ENSURE he took home the player HE WANTED. That player was Trubisky and he made it happen.
Were there other holes to fill? Yes.
Does it suck to lose the picks Pace had to give up to get him? Yes.
However, at the end of the day it was Pace’s job to ensure he got his guy – and he did. That’s at least worth your respect until the scenario plays itself out.
Another important thing to remember is Kiper said time and time again that Trubisky was likely “just a year early.” That’s why Mike Glennon was signed, to get him another year of experience.
It won’t happen overnight, but Chicago can now rest assured knowing their quarterback of the future is now here. Pace is the man to thank for that.
