The number of ways the Chicago Bears could attack the quarterback position this offseason are many. Most of the focus centers either on the veteran market (free agency or trade) or the top of the NFL draft. In six previous offseason, GM Ryan Pace has never taken a quarterback outside the 1st round. Could 2021 finally see the ending of that streak?
Anything is possible. In such a case the Bears won’t just be looking for a possible cheap backup. They will desire somebody with the upside to maybe start down the line. Presuming of course their latest pursuit of a starter falls flat. Doubling down on quarterbacks is something Pace has done before. Could he take a flier in the later rounds for the first time if the right guy is available?
If so, one name worth watching is Davis Mills.
Don’t feel bad if the name is unfamiliar. When looking at the stats, it’s easy to see why the young kid from Stanford has flown under the radar. Just 13 games played since the beginning of 2019. Only 435 passes thrown during that time for 18 touchdowns and eight interceptions. Not the most inspiring stat line. Yet when one turns on the tape?
Mills has a number of moments scattered all over the place of him making some truly impressive throws. NFL throws. Like this one here against Washington. At the snap, the Huskies get pressure with their front four almost immediately. Mills is able to sense it and reads where he has to go with the football and gets it out before the rush arrives. The ball is placed to the back shoulder of his receiver for a huge 3rd and 9 conversion.
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The Chicago Bears haven’t seen enough of one key trait
An ability to complete tough throws over the middle. This was a constant problem for Mitch Trubisky during his run as the starter. His inability to see the field and lead his receivers over the middle made life harder. Mills has a number of moments that showcase his ability to both see where the receivers are and fire an accurate ball in tight spaces.
Mills has an accurate arm with good strength behind it. He’s listed at 6’4 which is the preferred height for a quarterback. He also demonstrates at least decent mobility to extend plays. On top of that, he has a reputation for playing his best late in games. There were a number of instances in the past two years where he engineered big comebacks.
On opening day against Colorado, Stanford fell behind 28-9. Mills engineered three touchdown drives in the final 20 minutes before coming up just short 35-32. A few weeks later, UCLA got up on them 34-20 with five minutes to go in the 4th quarter. Mills threw two touchdown passes to force overtime and then another in double overtime to pull off a 48-47 victory.
Milles seems to have enough traits worth exploring.
He’s just not ready. The kid has a number of mechanical issues that need ironing out. Particularly his footwork which can get quite lazy at times. He also gets a little too reckless s with the football, which has led to unnecessary interceptions. This can often be a product of lacking experience. Had he been given two full seasons at Stanford, it’s fair to think he’d look a bit more polished.
At worst he has the look of somebody who can be a long-term backup for a team. If he can put some things together and the light goes on? There is enough talent to think he might develop into something more. The Chicago Bears should consider him if he slides into Day 3.
