Chicago Bears 2017 Draft Profiles: Quarterbacks

Brad Kaaya, Miami (6-foot-4, 220 pounds)

Brad Kaaya is a victim of bad coaching at Miami. The problems Miami had with former coach Al Golden. The team struggled in the college game, but some of Golden’s players went on to play well in the NFL.

Under Golden, Kaaya spent much of his time from the shotgun. In his last season under new coach Mark Richt, he went to a pro-style offense. The transition may have hurt him a bit during the season, but it will pay off at the pro level.

There is nothing flashy with Kaaya. His arm strength is not that of a canon. He doesn’t run out of his shoes, either.

Kaaya is a good passer, understanding the touch needed to throw the ball at different levels of the defense. He is cool under pressure, not getting rattled. He sees the field well, using both sides well. While he isn’t quick or very athletic, he can move around in the pocket just well enough to extend some plays.

Sometimes Kaaya doesn’t trust his instincts. He sees a play developing and a throw to make, but he seems indecisive on pulling the trigger.

Kaaya doesn’t seem like a super-talented quarterback. He won’t singlehandedly win games for your team. The thing is, he won’t lose you games either. He is cool under pressure, and Lord knows how many times he experienced his offensive line deficiencies that forced him to run around for his life. I compare him to an Alex Smith-type quarterback who just goes out and does his job without flash. He could be overlooked because of that.

He could be overlooked because of that. When you think of the quarterbacks the “U” generated, you think of Jim Kelly, Vinnie Testaverde, Gino Torretta or Bernie Kosar. You don’t think of Brad Kaaya, but HE owns the record for most yards thrown by a Hurricane quarterback (9,968), and he did it in three years.

The Chicago Bears had a talent-filled quarterback with a cannon arm, but that led to nowhere. Maybe someone with less flash and more substance may be a better option.