Chicago Bears 2020 Schedule: 3 intriguing matchups

The (other) one who got away

Many, if not all, Bears fans have lamented Ryan Pace passing on Patrick Mahomes in 2017 and instead trading up for Mitchell Trubisky. However, let’s not forget Trubisky was largely viewed as the consensus top quarterback in the class, while Mahomes was viewed by many as the third-ranked prospect that year.

However, there was one quarterback who many thought would be the Bears pick that year. Those that didn’t have Mitch as their number one prospect more than likely gave that designation to Deshaun Watson.

He was certainly the safer pick, having dominated the vaunted Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2016 National Championship game, and otherwise boasting big game experience while at Clemson University, leading them to the Championship game in 2015 as well. He proved repeatedly that he can perform on the big stage.

But Ryan Pace chose potential and a romanticized story about a 1997 Toyota Camry over a proven commodity. And now he will get to see him up close and personal. The last time something like this happened, Patrick Mahomes came into Chicago, embarrassed the Bears, and sent a message to the Bears that they made a mistake passing on him.

Now it’s Watson’s turn to stroll into Chicago and show the Bears what they passed on. Perhaps this time Pace will at least decide to sit down with Watson for a meeting. What? Too soon?