Chicago Bears Draft Watch: Could Carson Wentz Be The Future?
By Grizz.
Carson Wentz
Jan 10, 2015; Frisco, TX, USA; North Dakota State Bison quarterback Carson Wentz (11) throws a pass during pre game warmups against the Illinois State Redbirds at Pizza Hut Park. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Matchup: Injured (Broken Wrist)
Position: Quarterback
College: North Dakota State
Height: 6’5″
Weight: 230
Pro Comparison: Alex Smith
Projection: Round 2
Scouting Report:
Strengths:
If you went and sked every NFL scout what they thought about each quarterback prospect, chances are you would get a few different answers.
However, Carson Wentz may be the one name that stays the most consistent through all of those responses.
Wentz is a reigning FCS champion, and looks the part of an NFL signal caller. Standing at 6’5″, Wentz has a great athletic body. He is sneaky quick and elusive outside of the pocket for an athlete of his size.
His arm strength on short to intermediate throws is great. His ability to scan the field is textbook, and he is fairly accurate on throws 15 yards or fewer.
Weaknesses:
Wentz is battling back from a wrist injury, assuming he is cleared, the main complaint scouts will have about Wentz is that he never went against college football’s elite while playing in the FCS.
Only two other quarterbacks have been selected in the NFL Draft from the FCS in the last nine years: Jimmy Garoppolo (2nd Round, Eastern Illinois) & Joe Flacco (1st Round, Delaware).
Why It Makes Sense:
This move makes sense because the Bears need their quarterback of the future. With Jay Cutler playing the best football of his professional career, the Bears can afford to hang on to the 32 year old gun slinger for another year or two.
With that being said, Wentz will obviously need to get acclimated to the talent level change. What better way to do that than to sit for a season or two while learning the playbook?
Wentz may not be the sexy name on the quarterback watch list as of right now, but come draft time you will hear a lot of front office executives talking about how he was the hidden gem of this years coming draft.
If you have any players you would like for me to scout, any questions, comments or discussion points please feel free to comment below.