Should Chicago Bears draft a quarterback to backup Mitch Trubisky?
Even with Mitch Trubisky on board, Ryan Pace requested meetings with multiple QBs at the Senior Bowl. Does this mean the Chicago Bears might draft one this April?
On Thursday, we learned that the Chicago Bears kicked the tires on Luke Falk while scouting the Senior Bowl. Ryan Pace took the opportunity to meet with Falk and review some of his game film from this season. The move certainly created some buzz in light of the fact that the Bears just drafted Mitch Trubisky to be their franchise quarterback.
#Bears go to the tape with Washington St. QB Luke Falk. https://t.co/Qp10FPdxrq
— Brad Biggs (@BradBiggs) January 25, 2018
As the week progressed, the Bears not only met with Falk but requested meetings with Baker Mayfield and Mason Rudolph. Rudolph likely will not hear his name called until day 2 of the draft. However, Mayfield is a consensus first-round pick.
The expectation is that the Bears will part ways with Mike Glennon this offseason, freeing up a substantial amount of cap space. The move will not only free up money, but it will also leave a void at the backup quarterback position. While most assume the Bears will fill that void with a veteran, this recent news begs the question whether they should fill it through the draft.
It's great that the #Bears have met with Luke Falk and Mason Rudolph at the Senior Bowl. Grabbing a young QB with upside in the later rounds to back up Mitch Trubisky would be prudent.
— Dhruv Koul (@DhruvKoul) January 26, 2018
Here's a thought: What if said QB outplays Trubisky? Interesting problem to have.
If you subscribe to the Ron Wolf school of thought, the answer is clear. The Hall of Fame former General Manager of the Green Bay Packers believed in drafting a QB every year. It is the reason the Packers made such a smooth transition from Brett Favre to Aaron Rodgers.
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There are some perceived benefits to bringing in a rookie this year. The cold-hearted cynic will argue that Mitch Trubisky is still unproven.
They will also argue that the Chicago Bears have been comedically bad at evaluating the most important position in sports. From that perspective, it makes sense to continue to attack the need until they are certain it is met.
Bringing in a rookie quarterback would also ratchet up the competition in camp. In theory, it could also “push” Trubisky. However, by all accounts, “Tru” is an incredibly hard worker. He does not need any artificial stimulation of his competitive juices.
There are numerous stories highlighting his work ethic. He was regularly the first one in and the last one out of the practice facility each day. There is no evidence that Trubisky needs any extra motivation.
Therefore, wasting a precious draft pick on a position that is not a need would be irresponsible.
Next: 3 players Ryan Pace could reach for
While Mitch Trubisky’s psyche appears strong, it simply does not make sense to literally and figuratively “poke the Bear.” What type of message would it send to your franchise quarterback if you drafted someone who could potentially be his replacement after only his rookie year?
It does not take much imagination to envision the hypothetical chants for “Joe Backup” that would follow a shaky start to the 2018 season for Trubisky.
That is why it is hard to imagine the Chicago Bears drafting a quarterback in this year’s draft.