Chicago Bears 2016 Position Preview: Quarterback
Maybe:
Matt Blanchard – If his name sounds familiar, its because the Bears signed Blanchard way back in 2012 as their developmental QB after an awesome career at Wisconsin-Whitewater. He played in a DIII school where he excelled with a 25-0 record as a starter, a 70.4% completion percentage, 44 career touchdowns with just 5 interceptions, two national championships in two years as a starter, and was a DIII All-American as a senior.
Blanchard was projected by some sites to be a day 3 draft pick, but he wasn’t drafted and the Bears signed him as a priority UDFA. He was impressive in limited preseason action, but got hurt and was ultimately released by the Bears. Since then he has bounced around the league spending time with the Bears, Panthers, Packers, Browns, Colts, and now the Bears again.
The scouting report on Blanchard coming out of college was that he had good size (6’3 | 225), enough arm to make all the NFL throws, accuracy on short-to-mid range throws, and underrated athleticism with 452 rushing yards as a senior. The main knock on Blanchard was his ability to make the jump from DIII to the NFL. It’s a legitimate concern, but in my opinion Blanchard’s most impressive trait is his 25-0 record in college. Regardless of what division Blanchard played in, that’s pretty damn impressive.
If healthy Blanchard could push David Fales for the Bears backup job and worst case be a reserve option on the Bears practice squad. He’s been an intriguing option since the Bears signed him in 2012 and is only 26, so still has time to become a viable NFL QB.
Summary:
In my opinion the Bears are in good shape at QB with a solid veteran starter coming off his best season ever and two young backups with legitimate potential. Both Fales and Blanchard are unproven and long-shots to stick in the NFL, but have enough talent, interesting traits, and the upside to become NFL backups if not more.
If you disagree that the Bears should keep all three quarterbacks, check out my QB free agents options. Then check back soon for my 2016 NFL Draft QB rankings.