2017 NFL Draft Daily Chicago Bears Target: Miami Quarterback Brad Kaaya
Brad Kaaya is an obvious 2017 NFL Draft target for the Chicago Bears at the quarterback position.
When during the 2017 NFL Draft will the Chicago Bears take a quarterback? Even after signing Mike Glennon to a free agent contract over the offseason, it seems impossible that the Bears would pass up an opportunity to take a quarterback in the upcoming draft. It is not a question of if the Bears will take a quarterback in the 2017 NFL Draft, it is a question of when.
Do not be shocked if the Bears take a top-tier quarterback prospect like Deshaun Watson or Mitchell Trubisky with the third overall pick. However, I do not think that is the most likely outcome. Most likely, the Bears will take a star defensive prospect at three and look to fill their quarterback needs in the middle rounds.
Miami quarterback Brad Kaaya is among the most obvious targets for the team in the middle round range. As a three-year starter for the Hurricanes, Kaaya had a career 60.6% completion percentage. He threw for 9,968 career yards, 69 touchdowns and only 24 interceptions. Kaaya’s best season came in 2016. Last season, he completed 62% of his passes for 3,532 yards, 27 touchdowns and seven interceptions.
Kaaya was a rock-solid college quarterback who has some ability to compete at the next level. He is not a big-armed quarterback who can consistently fire the ball down the field, but Kaaya is a smart passer who knows how to read a defense. He will take what the defense gives him on a consistent basis, knowing his limitations as a quarterback.
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Kaaya is a pro-style pocket passer quarterback who could legitimately start on day one. He has nearly perfect mechanics, a quick release and the knowledge to be a successful NFL starting quarterback.
That being said, Kaaya is limited physically. He does not have the strongest arm and will never be much of a threat to run. Kaaya is relatively savvy inside the pocket, showing the ability to sense pressure, but he is not going to run away and make plays with his legs often. Also, while Kaaya has consistent mechanics, his overall passing accuracy is spotty. He does not put the ball where a receiver wants it with any sort of consistency.
As a rock-solid passer who the Bears can trust to get the job done immediately, I could see Kaaya being among the most likely quarterbacks for them to take in the 2017 NFL Draft. He just feels like a perfect signal caller to lead a John Fox team. However, his long-term upside is undoubtedly limited.
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If the Bears can land him in the third or fourth round, I would not hate the selection. However, he would likely be nothing more than a possible stop-gap solution. Brad Kaaya is a fair bet to be a solid NFL starter if he gets an opportunity. He is never going to be a player who will turn the ball over and kill you. He is not, however, a guy who is going to lead you to the promise land.