A lot has been written already about who the Chicago Bears first round pick (#11) will be, so I’m going to look at who might be options for the Bears in rounds two and three of the draft. The Bears filled some holes via free agency and should fill another one in the first round, but there will still be plenty of positions left that need upgrades. I’ll be breaking down potential targets for the Bears on day 2 of the draft at different positions of need over the next few weeks.
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I started this series with the defensive line, which I think will be the Bears primary target in this year’s draft and you can link to that post below. Today I’m looking at potential QBs the Bears could target on day 2 of the draft. The Bears are set this year with Jay Cutler, coming off arguably his best season in Chicago, but he’s 33 years old and it’s about time the Bears start succession planning at the quarterback position.
The Bears do have a potential developmental back-up in 2014 6th round pick David Fales. He’s a bit undersized at 6’2, 212 pounds and doesn’t have a power arm, but flashed ability in limited preseason action. Fales got one start during last year’s preseason and put on a clinic, completing 14/18 passes for 131 yards and two TDs with no interceptions. That performance clearly caught the attention of other NFL squads as their were at least four reported trade attempts for Fales during the season (Ravens, Pats, 49ers, Browns).
Fales wasn’t drafted by the new Bears regime though and they may be looking for an upgrade or at least some competition at the back-up position. They may consider Fales a solid back-up, but perhaps not a long-term replacement for Cutler as the starter.
Despite some rumors that the Bears may be interested in the top QBs in this draft, I would be shocked if they used their first round pick at QB with so many other holes across the roster. So if the Bears do draft a QB this year, I think it will be on the 2nd or 3rd day. I’ve broke down some day 2 options below and will have some day 3 options posted before the draft.
Day 2 Draft Prospects
DL | QB
I’ve listed quarterbacks that I project to be available in rounds 2 or 3 below who I think could be good fits for the Bears, listed in order of preference. If you have any questions, complaints, or advice… hit me up in the comments or on Twitter (@MFlannery_)
Day 2 QB Prospects
Cardale Jones, Ohio St (6’5 | 250 | 4.75) – Probably has the most variance in his potential draft position of all the top QB prospects. Jones is one of the most interesting QB prospects in this year’s draft. He only started 11 games in his college career, but is 11-0 including two wins in the 2014 CFB playoffs, one of which was an awesome performance in OSU’s national title game victory over Alabama.
Jones has a cannon arm, runs like a fullback once he crosses the line of scrimmage, and has more upside at QB than almost anyone in this draft. His footwork and technique are very raw, but despite his inexperience he still managed to complete 64% of his passes in his time as a starter this season.
Jones’ upside is literally unlimited, he has the size and every physical tool needed to be a top-tier QB, but there are a lot of mechanical and technique issue that need to be cleaned up. He’s a perfect day 2 option for a team with an aging QB that may need a new one in a couple of years (like the Bears).
The Bears can give him at least a season or two to work with the coaching staff to clean up his technique and unleash Jones’ elite physical talent. The 2nd round may seem like a reach since he won’t be playing much his first season or two, but Jones is a first round talent who would be an absolute steal if he falls to round three.
Next: Brissett, Cook, & Hogan