Part of the problem with the Chicago Bears over the years regarding their quarterback problems is they never seemed to have people in the building with an eye for the position. The top decision-makers had no viable background to help them identify its key traits. Ryan Pace was a defensive guy in his youth. Phil Emery was a strength and conditioning expert. Jerry Angelo was a defensive line coach before getting into scouting. You get the idea. The fact Ryan Poles played offensive line is at least a step in the right direction. However, he may need help to get this decision right.
Recent events suggest he may have an ace up his sleeve. One of the best finds in undrafted free agency by any team was Tyson Bagent. The Shepherd quarterback came from nowhere to become the Bears’ backup behind Justin Fields. Then, when the latter went down with a dislocated thumb, the rookie started four games and went 2-2. He accounted for four touchdowns during that stretch. While it wasn’t always pretty, it was way more than anybody expected from a Division II undrafted free agent.
The man who spearheaded the efforts to sign Bagent was co-director of player personnel Jeff King.
The Chicago Bears should trust what King says.
After all, the guy learned about the position from some sharp people. He played as a tight end for legendary Virginia Tech head coach Frank Beamer, the same man who produced future pros like Michael Vick and Tyrod Taylor. Then, as a pro, he spent a year in Arizona working with Bruce Arians, widely revered as one of the top quarterback gurus of his generation. King has demonstrated a sharp eye for the position. If he can get a quality NFL backup from the Division II ranks, he might be what the Bears need to pinpoint a franchise quarterback in this draft.
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Maybe he’s in the same corner as everybody else on Caleb Williams. However, if he has an eye for somebody else, the Bears would do well to hear him out. The last time a GM failed to trust the conviction of a top lieutenant on a quarterback, it cost them Joe Montana. There is also the fact King is already generating legitimate GM interest around the league. Clearly, other teams are aware of his ability to evaluate. All the more reason for the Bears to give him some sway in these discussions.
