People are talking about what the Chicago Bears may or may not have in mind for this upcoming NFL draft. Most would assume the team is focused on finding guys who can help them win this year. Others argue that GM Ryan Pace might want to draft with an eye on 2020 when a lot of contracts on the team are set to expire. Matt Nagy understands the value of thinking ahead.
Andy Reid has done that well for a long time in both Philadelphia and Kansas City. One would imagine the Bears head coach understands the situation regarding his roster and might encourage taking steps towards preparing for the potential loss of certain veteran. One position that isn’t getting enough attention is quarterback.
Mitch Trubisky is entrenched as the starter. This is true. However, the situation behind him isn’t as secure as it may seem. Chase Daniel is in the final year of his contract while Tyler Bray was only re-signed to a one-year deal. Both will be out of contract again next March, leaving the Bears possibly search for depth answers behind their starter.
So if Nagy is interested in seeking an option in the draft, who would be somebody he’d be on board with?
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Gardner Minshew looks and feels like a Matt Nagy quarterback
Nagy understands that the two key facets of having success as a quarterback are accurate passing and an ability to lead me. Sure, arm strength and size are important but if they don’t have the first two, the rest doesn’t matter in the end. It must be the case for starters and backups alike.
Gardner Minshew stands out as such a player he’d covet. The Washington State quarterback was a bit of an unknown coming into 2018 before bursting onto the scene for 4,779 yards and 38 touchdown passes. He stood out for his infectious enthusiasm, his ability to throw precise timing routes down the field, and the subtle ways he’s able to manipulate coverages.
He’s only 6’1 and has an average arm but he plays the position the way it must be played at the NFL level to have success. The best part? Lance Zierlein of NFL.com made a pro comparison for him. None other than Daniel himself. Rather fitting if the Bears did end up drafting the kid.
Projections have Minshew going somewhere between the 5th and 7th rounds. Chicago has three picks in that range. While their main roster needs are elsewhere, it will be interesting to see if they decide to grab the young quarterback. He certainly fits this offense and could make for a nice long-term backup to Trubisky.
