Chicago Bears training camp 2017: Top position battles to watch and predictions
1. Quarterback: Mike Glennon versus Mitch Trubisky
This one may not end up being much of a position battle. However, nothing is more important for the Chicago Bears in 2017 and beyond than the quarterback position.
The Bears signed Mike Glennon to a major free agent contract this offseason, making him their starting quarterback for 2017. However, less than two months later, they traded up to the second overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft to take quarterback Mitch Trubisky. How is that for confidence in your new starting quarterback?
Despite drafting Trubisky, Glennon is still expected to be the Bears starter in 2017. General manager Ryan Pace said as much in the press conference after drafting Trubisky.
Pace: "In regards to Mike Glennon, Glennon is our starting quarterback." #Bears #NFLDraft
— The Athletic Chicago (@TheAthleticCHI) April 28, 2017
However, Trubisky is clearly the future at the position for the Chicago Bears. If Glennon is performing well and the Bears are winning games, Trubisky may not see any action in 2017. Honestly, that may be what is best for his overall development. However, if Glennon struggles and the Bears are losing, calls for Trubisky to take over the job will be deafening.
I doubt that we see much of a quarterback battle in training camp. However, we cannot rule it out as a possibility. If Trubisky comes into camp and looks great, I can envision a scenario where the Bears simply hand him over the reigns right away. It happened with Carson Wentz in Philadelphia last season. Nobody expected Wentz to be an immediate starter, but he was.
Prediction: Glennon
All of that being said, as long as Glennon does not look completely terrible in training camp and the preseason, he will start the 2017 season as the starting quarterback of the Chicago Bears. Trubisky could make it interesting with rapid development but do not expect that happen.
Next: Ranking the Bears' most important players for 2017
Mike Glennon was signed to be the Bears starting quarterback in 2017. Mitch Trubisky was drafted to lead the team in 2018 and beyond. Unless something significant changes, the Bears will still to that plan.