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Chicago Bears: Logical 2017 NFL Draft Targets at Each Position

By Dan Schmelzer

Oct 15, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers safety Jamal Adams (33) celebrates after picking up a fumble during the third quarter of a game against the Southern Miss Golden Eagles at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 15, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers safety Jamal Adams (33) celebrates after picking up a fumble during the third quarter of a game against the Southern Miss Golden Eagles at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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Deshaun Watson 2017 NFL Draft
Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) works out before the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Quarterbacks

Deshaun Watson, Clemson: 6-foot-2, 221 pounds, Projected Round: 1

Deshaun Watson is my favorite quarterback in this class and is the guy who I think the Bears should take with the third overall pick. I can understand an argument for a couple of more players, but Watson has the skill set and demeanor of a franchise quarterback. He is the kind of guy who you cannot afford to pass.

Mike Glennon could end up being a decent stop-gap option for the Bears, but let’s be honest, he is not the long-term solution. If the Bears want to solve their issues at quarterback for the long-term, Watson should be the guy. He is a proven winner who the Bears could count on in the biggest moments.

DeShone Kizer, Notre Dame: 6-foot-4, 233 pounds, Projected Round: 2

If the Bears want to go for raw upside early in the 2017 NFL Draft, DeShone Kizer should be the guy. Kizer is a big and athletic quarterback who showcases an extremely strong arm. Kizer is not consistently accurate, but there are certainly times where he will put the ball on the money.

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The way NFL teams value quarterbacks, I doubt that Kizer makes it to the second round, but it is easy to see how he could slip to the late first. He has all of the physical tools and was fantastic in 2015, but his 2016 season was extremely inconsistent and he is clearly not NFL ready. I could envision a scenario where the Chicago Bears trade back from three or trade back into the first from their early second round slot to land Kizer. Either way, I kind of like it.

Nathan Peterman, Pittsburgh: 6-foot-2, 226 pounds, Projected Round: 3-4

Taking a shot on a mid or late round quarterback does not typically turn out well. However, NFL teams love to try to take care of their most important spot at a small cost. If the Chicago Bears want to go this route, Pittsburgh’s Nathan Peterman should be the guy.

Peterman is an extremely smart and accurate passer. He is a tough guy who will do whatever it takes to put his team in a position to win. The Pittsburgh product is not the most athletic quarterback, but he does have a bit of mobility and can throw the ball on the run. I would not say that Peterman has a rocket arm or anything like that, but concerns about his arm strength are over-blown. He can make any throw on an NFL field.

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