Nathan Peterman is Great Sleeper Quarterback Target for Chicago Bears in 2017 NFL Draft
If the Chicago Bears want to go the sleeper route at quarterback in the 2017 NFL Draft, a guy who they are about to get very familiar with at the Senior Bowl should be the choice.
There is a huge difference of opinions on the quarterback position in the 2017 NFL Draft. Some look at this as a strong draft class filled with upside and depth. At the same time, there are others in the industry who do not see any first round quarterbacks.
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The Chicago Bears are in an interesting spot at quarterback. Jay Cutler seems unlikely to be back in Chicago, but there are not many obvious routes to replace him. The free agency quarterback stock is slim. Also, while I like guys like Deshaun Watson and DeShone Kizer at the top of the 2017 NFL Draft, I am not sure if going full steam ahead with a rookie quarterback is the best plan of attack for the Bears.
Trading for a guy like Jimmy Garoppolo or A.J. McCarron is also possible, but it is hard to see the Bears giving up too much draft capital at this point in their rebuild. The best scenario may be to find a stop-gap solution, perhaps Colin Kaepernick or another year of Jay Cutler and draft non-first round rookie to groom behind him.
Targeting a player like Pat Mahomes in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft would certainly fit this plan. But if the Bears decide to go deeper, I know the perfect guy. He also happens to be a prospect who the Bears are about to get much more familiar with. He is Pitt’s Nathan Peterman.
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Peterman is one of three quarterbacks on the North roster of the Senior Bowl next week. That North team will be coached by John Fox and the rest of the Bears’ coaching staff. If Peterman can have a strong week of practice and an impressive showing in the Senior Bowl, I think he could become a legitimate target for the Bears in the 2017 NFL Draft.
Peterman is not the most physically gifted quarterback you are going to see. He does not have huge arm strength. That’s not ideal, but I think Peterman has shown enough of an arm to make the necessary NFL throws. While Peterman has a tendency to pick up yardage with his legs, he is not an overly athletic player either.
However, Peterman is an accurate passer who shows the ability to put nice touch on his balls. He throws a very catch-able ball and consistently puts his receiver in a position to pick up yardage after the catch.
Peterman also shows a high-level of football IQ and field awareness. Playing in a pro style offense in college, he knows how to read defenses well. Peterman rarely made a wrong choice on the field, tucking the ball to run when necessary. Mentally, Peterman is undoubtedly NFL ready.
As far as intangibles go, that is where Peterman really shines. He is an incredibly tough quarterback who is not afraid to step up and make a play for his team. Peterman is also a great leader who commands respect in the huddle.
This guy has a lot of moxie, the “it” factor if you will. He may not be the most naturally gifted, but he is going to put himself into position to succeed. Those guys typically translate well to the next level.
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I could see Peterman impressing Fox and company at the Senior Bowl with his toughness and ability to lead. I am not saying that the Bears will make him their quarterback of the future. But I could see him being a low-cost acquisition who could bring some stability to the most important position in the game.
Peterman may never be anything more than a career backup. However, when he gets that opportunity to perform, you can bet that he will be ready. An accurate passer who shows great leadership skills and unparalleled toughness, Peterman should be a high-priority target for the Bears on day three of the 2017 NFL Draft.