Chicago Bears Do Not Have to Draft a Quarterback in 2017 NFL Draft

The Chicago Bears, under head coach John Fox, are striving to become a playoff contender in 2017. Since that’s the goal, the organization shouldn’t look to draft a rookie quarterback in April.

After two consecutive losing seasons under the watchful eye of John Fox, the Chicago Bears needed to make some significant changes this offseason. Quarterback Jay Cutler getting ousted from the organization: check. Signing Tampa Bay quarterback Mike Glennon as Cutler’s replacement: check.

Those were just two of many glaring changes Ryan Pace and company made to improve the Bears’ 2017 outlook this offseason. Other notable changes include: saying farewell to star wideout Alshon Jeffery while signing WR Markus Wheaton, TE Dion Sims, and cornerback Prince Amukamara.

While the Bears finished 2016 with a 3-13 regular-season record, many feel this Fox-led team is better than their dismal record indicates.

After all, the organization should feel excited, knowing rookie running back Jordan Howard, who had a fantastic first season as a pro, is only going to keep improving with more experience. Same goes for wideout Cameron Meredith.

The Bears also have one of the best offensive lines heading into 2017. Rookie center Cody Whitehair was terrific in his first season. Even the defense improved, as first-year linebacker Leonard Floyd showed great promise in 2016, recording seven sacks in 12 games played.

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As a result, John Fox feels extremely optimistic about the Bears’ chances to compete at a high level this upcoming season. Speaking with CSN Chicago earlier this week, Fox exclaimed, via NFL.com: “I understand you have to win. And I finally feel like we’re in striking distance.”

Fox is right on at least one thing heading into 2017. His team needs to show vast improvement in 2017. Otherwise, his time as Bears’ coach may come to an end.

Since that’s likely the case, the Bears need to continue improving their roster this offseason. And what better way to accomplish that task than through the NFL Draft.

The upcoming NFL Draft is crucial for the Bears. They need to make the most out of all their draft picks. That means selecting players wisely.

Since the Bears are far from being a finished product on the field, they need to draft players based on positional need. Which is why the quarterback position is no longer a glaring need to address.

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Mike Glennon is going to be the team’s starting quarterback in 2017, whether fans like that or not. He’s a solid player, with great height and a strong throwing arm. His ability to stretch out the playing field with his vertical passing should pay great dividends down the road.

Let’s not forget that the organization just recently signed backup quarterback Mark Sanchez to a one-year deal. Both these quarterbacks will be positive influences inside the Bears’ locker room.

Hey, what about the third-string quarterback? That title belongs to Connor Shaw. A mobile, young quarterback, who should hopefully remain healthy in 2017.

Fans clamoring for the Bears to select their quarterback of the future in this year’s draft should realize, the future in now. Not three years down the line, when a 2017 rookie quarterback is finally ready to step in and play meaningful snaps for the team.

It’s because Ryan Pace and John Fox can’t afford to think three years down the road. They’re only focused on improving in 2017.

You don’t improve as a team overnight through drafting a rookie quarterback, just to have him sit back and learn how to play the position on the sidelines. The only way the Bears can continue making strides in the foreseeable future is by drafting players who can contribute right away.

Besides, if the Bears were to draft a quarterback in the early rounds of this year’s draft, what kind of message would that be signaling to Mike Glennon? That he’s just another bridge quarterback?

That would not be a wise move on the organization’s part. Why deflate a player’s confidence, before he even plays his first snaps with the team? Doesn’t make much sense.

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The Bears don’t need to waste any draft picks on quarterbacks in April. It’s as simple as that. Unless an unexpected injury occurs in the upcoming weeks, no need to change course and draft a quarterback just to please any disgruntled fans.

Winning more games in 2017 will fix that issue instead.