Chicago Bears: Day Three QB Targets

Seth Russell, Baylor (6’3, 220, 4.67) – A midseason neck injury ended a very impressive 2015 for Russell (35 TD / 6 INTs) but he played well for the most part in 2016 with 28 total TDs and eight interceptions. In 16 total games as a starter, Russell has accounted for 63 touchdowns and over 5,000 yards from scrimmage.

Baylor’s gimmick offense has a lot to do with Russell’s prodigious production, but he has a lot of traits that should interest NFL teams. Russell has good size, enough arm to make all the throws in the NFL route tree, has 4.6 speed, natural running skills, and pretty decent accuracy despite a completion percentage under 60%.

Russell may have the size and the physical tools necessary to be an NFL quarterback, but his completion percentage should be much higher in a QB-friendly offense like Baylor’s. As a frame of reference, Bryce Petty was over 62% in both his seasons as a starter for Bears. Russell misses on too many relatively easy throws due to inconsistent mechanics and while he looks good throwing on the run the results aren’t as productive as they should be.

The accuracy problems are an issue, but the main knock on Russell is his injury history. Neck problems are nothing to take lightly and he’s suffered a bunch of other minor knocks as well. If Russell can stay healthy for awhile at the NFL level, he has the size, arm strength, and natural QB ability to be an above-average backup with starter potential.