One thing that can be said about the national and local media in regards to this question is that there is zero consensus. Nobody really knows for sure which quarterback the Bears are targeting. Most of them are going off rumors or who they deem to be the best fit. Much of this is due in large part to how absolutely silent the team brass has been on the subject. All anybody knows for certain is that Jay Cutler is no longer their guy.
So who do the experts think the Bears will get? Well here is an extensive list of prominent names with their most recent predictions. The variance is wide from free agents to trade acquisitions and draft picks. If nothing else it offers a perfect illustration of just how unpredictable this offseason will be in Chicago.
- Marc Sessler (NFL.com) – Tony Romo
- Chad Reuter (NFL.com) – Patrick Mahomes
- Daniel Jeremiah (NFL.com) – Tony Romo
- John Clayton (ESPN) – Tyrod Taylor
- Matt Miller (Bleacher Report) – Mitch Trubisky
- Kristopher Knox (Bleacher Report) – Deshaun Watson
- Walter Cherepinsky (Walter Football) – Mitch Trubisky
- John Kosko (Pro Football Focus) – Jimmy Garoppolo
- Dane Brugler (CBS Sports) – Deshone Kizer
- Jared Dubin (CBS Sports) – Deshone Kizer
- John Harris (Washington Post) – Patrick Mahomes
- Dan Kadar (SB Nation) – Deshaun Watson
- Steve Serby (NY Post) – Mitch Trubisky
- Eric Galko (Sporting News) – Mitch Trubisky
- Brad Weiss (FanSided) – Deshaun Watson
- Bob Warja (Chicago Now) – Davis Webb
There are plenty of contenders who have their names mentioned two or three times from Tony Romo to Patrick Mahomes, Deshone Kizer and Deshaun Watson. However it appears the masses have tentatively centered on a clear favorite for the time being. That is North Carolina standout Mitch Trubisky, one of the more exciting and enigmatic names in this entire QB class.
One could say Trubisky scares scouts and executives to death. He’s the ultimate gamble. When watching him on tape there is no denying the talent. His arm has strength behind it and he can throw pinpoint passes with timing and anticipation. The footwork inside the pocket is very good and he’s a solid athlete, often able to create big plays by running.
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The big issue everybody has center around his experience. This past 2016 season was his first as a starter. What amounts to just 13 games. Many have warned that inexperienced college quarterbacks tend to get railroaded by the increased speed and complexities of the NFL. That is the overriding fear with him. Is he truly an emerging young talent or a flash in the pan who took advantage of weak college defenses who had no tape to prepare for him?
The good news is this hasn’t totally dampened the enthusiasm for what he could be. Some are already comparing him to current quarterbacks like Matthew Stafford and Derek Carr. Teammates have often called him a “coach on the field.” Somebody who puts in the time and work needed to be great. It sounds like the kind of guy this regime covets.
Time will tell if this Chicago Bears QB prediction is accurate.