The Chicago Bears have a ton of business to sort through this offseason. In reality though? This team will be consumed by their efforts to find help at quarterback. Until they figure that position out, nothing else seems to matter. GM Ryan Pace has his back to the wall. He’s misfired three times already. Most guys don’t get this many opportunities. If he blows it again? He’ll never be a GM in the NFL after 2021.
So one can expect the Bears to exhaust every single alternative open to them in order to get that position right. This includes the possibility of doubling up in the NFL draft. As in taking one high and another in the later rounds. Nothing is off-limits. Nor should they be. Chicago must throw every resource possible to finally uncover their guy.
To that end, the evaluation process begins next month at the Senior Bowl.
With the scouting combine unlikely to take place this year, this event down in Mobile, Alabama only gains even greater significance considering the number of quarterbacks who will attend. There are plenty of names with talent worth monitoring. However, there could be one the Bears identify as a legitimate talent they can morph into something much more.
One name that they’re certain to keep tabs on is Feleipe Franks. His story is a fascinating one. In 2018, he was elevated to start at Florida. He finished with an encouraging 2,457 yards and 24 touchdowns with six interceptions. It was clear though he needed work. Optimism was high going into 2019, then four games into the season? He broke his ankle.
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This allowed unheralded backup Kyle Trask to step in and he essentially seized control of the starting job. It was clear if Franks came back he wouldn’t start anymore. So he had a decision to make. Declare early for the draft or take a risk transferring elsewhere. One NFL scout made it clear what his decision should be.
“Are you kidding? He has to stay (in college). What has he done to warrant any kind of Day 1 or Day 2 grade? He’s an unbelievable physical specimen, but he’s also an overwhelming project. You’re talking about a guy who, from game after game of tape, struggles with concepts (of the passing game).”
Chicago Bears will love the makeup of this young man
In the end, Franks took the right advice. He transferred to Arkansas where he ended up winning the starting quarterback job. From there he proceeded to have the best all-around season of his collegiate career. In nine games, he finished with 2,107 yards, 16 TDs, and four interceptions. He also upped his completion percentage from 58.4 to 68.5. A clear sign of growth.
At 6’6, Franks looks the part of an NFL quarterback. He has a live arm and can make any throw in the playbook including ones down the field. Even more encouraging? He shows command and intelligence at the line of scrimmage. He’ll constantly adjust protections and get teammates lined up in the right spots. Communication isn’t an issue.
Is he ready for the NFL? Not just yet.
There are things he needs to still improve. His timing and anticipation aren’t there yet. Sometimes he’ll hold the ball too long. Sometimes he won’t work through his progressions and get caught staring down a receiver. These are all typical issues a young quarterback has. He’ll need some time to sort through them. If the Chicago Bears give it to him? They could end up with a fascinating potential starter down the line.
