Chicago Bears 2015 Draft Prospects: First Round Flexibility

Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

The Bears draft a quarterback

NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah released his latest first round mock, and in it he surprisingly has Marcus Mariota going to the Bears.

This would certainly be a big move. Mariota is considered to be one of the top two quarterbacks in this year’s draft. He is the 2014 Heisman Trophy winner and led his Oregon Ducks to the NCAA Championship game.

The Bears expressed their desire to back Cutler, but that could be because he is due so much money. He was the highest paid player last season in terms of base salary. This season, his salary is a $16.6 million cap hit for the Bears.

The price for Cutler drops after that, however. By being on the roster three days into the 2015 season, $10 million of his $16 million salary in 2016 is fully guaranteed.

This means that if Cutler has another mediocre season in 2015, the Bears are better prepared to deal him. If they do plan on moving on, they will need a replacement.

Even though Mariota had college success, he may not be ready right away for the NFL. In Oregon, he played in a spread offense, without spending much time under center. He needs to show that he can go under center and play well that way as well.

If the Bears draft him, 2015 can be a red shirt season, if you will. He can learn his trade while not having all the pressure right away.

I don’t see this as realistic. There are several teams that may be in on Mariota, including his former coach Chip Kelly in Philadelphia. There is also a rumor floating that the San Diego Chargers, with quarterback Philip Rivers‘ contract up after the season (he was not interested in discussing an extension), could be interested in keeping Mariota in the West Coast.

If Pace is serious about building through the draft, and if Mariota is available at seven, there could be a rich deal on his lap. The Bears could trade down and receive more draft picks (they have six).

I am not sure Mariota could make the transition to the NFL. There are other quarterbacks who may be available in later rounds who could be better suited for the pros. If you’re going to pick a quarterback and sit him for a year or two, it should not be with the number seven pick. I would personally prefer Bryce Petty with his cannon arm and an improving touch. If there is a deal to be made, then they should make it. If not, go another way.

Next: The Bears draft a defensive tackle