The Chicago Bears 2020 draft look at quarterbacks will certainly be a topic of conversation over the next several months. That is unless Mitch Trubisky starts to quiet doubters with much-improved play over the next 11 games. This is not impossible to consider. He was starting to play better before suffering his shoulder injury against Minnesota. That said, the Bears would at least be wise to keep their options open until then.
One name that has certainly garnered its fair share of debates is Shea Patterson of Michigan. There are those who like him and those who don’t. He’s been an effective game manager for the Wolverines’ run-oriented offense the past two seasons. What everybody wants to know is can he take his game beyond that role if asked by a team. Here is a scouting report on the details.
Chicago Bears 2020 draft breakdown of Shea Patterson
Strengths:
- Mobility is the first thing to stand out with him. He can run and is highly effective at the zone-read option.
- Field vision is solid. He tends to know where all of his options are and can find the open man most of the time.
- Accuracy is consistent both from the pocket and on the run. Tends to put the ball where he aims it.
This is Patterson at his best. Gets the snap and drops. The moment he hits the back step, he turns and fires on time and on target to his receiver down the field. The pass is placed perfectly and the receiver does the rest for a huge touchdown. That ability to trust the timing of the play and throw to a spot down the field is something he does well.
- Would fit really well in a West Coast-style offense where timing and rhythm are key. He excels in this area.
- Features a quick release on his throws, showing little wasted motion that would enable defenders to knock the ball out.
- Toughness can never be questioned. Has taken a lot of hits behind suspect blocking and continues to get up and on to the next play.
Weaknesses:
- There’s no getting around it. His arm would be classified as average. While he has a little zip on shorter throws, he just can’t truly zing it.
- As a result of this, you won’t see him take many shots down the field. His accuracy in this department is suspect.
- Doesn’t handle pressure well. He tends to drop his eyes a lot and his passes can come out awkward when he tries to get it out.
- Ball placement is a big issue whenever he’s feeling rushed. Starts to under and overthrow a lot of passes.
- Also can be way too reckless with his decision-making when under duress. Has made way too many ill-fated throws into thick coverage.
- Chooses to run too quickly a lot, even when he’s getting good protection in the pocket.
Pro Comparison: Kyle Allen
In terms of size, arm strength, and mode of operation there are definite similarities between Patterson and the Carolina Panthers backup. Allen isn’t anything special athletically but he understands how to operate a pro-style offense and knows where to go with the football. He’ll rarely put up huge numbers but if he’s protected well, he can engineer some productive drives for his team.
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Projection: 6th round
Don’t get the hopes up that this another Tom Brady situation. The fact is that Patterson just doesn’t stand out from a physical standpoint aside from his ability to run. His average arm strength and bad tendency to commit turnovers in bunches will be two things that shy team away from taking him anywhere but Day 3 of the draft. He has enough capability to be a long-term backup in the NFL. Beyond that? It doesn’t feel likely.
