Chicago Bears Daily 2017 NFL Draft Prospect: Pittsburgh QB Nate Peterman
Another look at a potential Chicago Bears 2017 NFL Draft target. This time, it is Pittsburgh quarterback Nate Peterman.
The Chicago Bears must figure something out at the quarterback position this off season. They will likely make a big move for a new signal caller. However, if they are looking for a value selection in the 2017 NFL Draft, Pittsburgh quarterback Nate Peterman should be their guy.
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Peterman is considered to be a mid-round quarterback prospect who will likely go somewhere between rounds three and five. He is not the most physically gifted quarterback in this class, but Peterman is an accurate passer who shows incredible toughness on the field.
There are plenty of concerns about Peterman’s arm strength. While he certainly does not have an elite arm, Peterman’s arm strength is going underrated. He can make every NFL throw and particularly seems to put some zip on the ball while throwing on the run.
Peterman is also a fairly quick and athletic quarterback prospect. He does a nice job of feeling the pressure and has the quickness to get away and make play with his legs. I am not saying that Peterman is an elite rushing quarterback, but he has some nice mobility. Do not look at him as a stationary pocket passer.
He has at least adequate physical tools. He can at least compete at the next level. However, Peterman’s accuracy with his passes is well above average. He puts the ball in a great position on a consistent basis, especially in the short to intermediate passing game.
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Also, when it comes to intangibles, Peterman grades out extremely well. He shows fantastic poise in the pocket, seemingly always keeping calm and making the correct decision. Peterman reads through his progressions well, and rarely forces the ball. He will dump it off or take off and run if necessary. It would be nice for the Chicago Bears to finally have a quarterback who is not turnover prone.
Perhaps most importantly, Peterman is an extremely tough football player who is not afraid to go the extra mile. He is also a strong leader who can command a huddle immediately. Guys will respect Peterman at the next level because he will consistently work hard and put his body on the line for the good of the team.
Peterman is one of my favorite quarterbacks in this draft class. If the Bears can snag him in the third or fourth round, it would be a huge victory for the franchise. The Bears are probably more familiar with Peterman than any other team.
John Fox and his coaching staff coached Peterman at the Senior Bowl, where he was clearly their best quarterback. The Bears’ coaches got a great look at Peterman, and I would bet that they came away impressed.
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He is an accurate passer who has elite-level intangibles. Peterman does not have a huge arm, but arm strength is always overrated. He has the physical tools to make plays at the next level, and it is all there mentally. Peterman could easily become the most productive quarterback in this draft class when it is all said and done.
The Chicago Bears should make Nate Peterman a specific target in the 2017 NFL Draft.