Why didn’t the Chicago Bears meet Deshaun Watson? It’s not really a secret that they reportedly have interest in the Clemson quarterback. The entire hierarchy of GM Ryan Pace, head coach John Fox, offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains and QB coach Dave Raggone were at his pro day. Yet as the days went by there was a curious question floating around. Why is there no word of them meeting with him privately?
One would think that’s kind of important if they view him as a potential first round pick. A top five pick at that. Still nothing. Not a single peep from any notable outlets. Even Watson himself denied any personal visits with the team as the draft draws closer. However, information has leaked that says otherwise.
Along with Aaron Leming of Bear Report, Sports Mockery confirmed from a source that the Bears did indeed meet privately with Watson. Just last week as a matter of fact.
BREAKING: Our source has confirmed @AaronLemingNFL's report of the Chicago Bears meeting secretly with Deshaun Watson in Chicago last week.
— ✶ Sports Mockery ✶ (@sportsmockery) April 26, 2017
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The source went on to say that the team initially meant to hide the information. There was a slip up and that’s how it came to light. Of course the inevitable question becomes why would Watson and the Bears hide this information? It doesn’t make a ton of sense.
Why Bears meeting Deshaun Watson would be kept quiet
In truth there are a few reason why they’d want this information suppressed. The most basic being simple misdirection. The less other teams know about what you have planned, the better the odds of getting the player you want. If another team further down the board found out the Bears were planning to take Watson, that increases the odds of a team trading up to snatch him first. Don’t forget the San Francisco 49ers have been quite public about their desires to move down from #2.
Then there is the other aspect of the Bears trading down. Most view Watson as being unworthy of the #3 overall pick. Perhaps there is a chance Chicago thinks the same. That would mean they feel it’s possible to get him a bit further down the board. Again presuming they’re able to keep the matter quiet. Thus not only do they still get their desired QB, they also get an extra high draft pick or two.
The NFL draft has always been compared to a high stakes poker game. For those who aren’t familiar with the game, there is a simple philosophy all the great players share.
If you don’t have to show your hand, don’t.
There is no upside to the Bears revealing that they met with Watson. Again assuming they do indeed have interest in him. The more other teams know about this interest, the likelier that what Pace and his front office have planned gets nixed by something out of their control. Will it matter in the end?
Probably not. Odds are Watson will be there at #3 overall. If the Bears are truly in on him, then that’s going to be the pick… and if you look at a lot of the final mock drafts floating around, many others agree.
