There is no offseason in the NFL, at least not for personnel departments, coaches and the media.
Which is why Da Bears Brothers will be in Indianapolis this week for the NFL’s annual festival of 40 times, failed drug tests and fast-rising workout warriors: the NFL Scouting Combine!
Our goal is to be your eyes and ears in Indy on Saturday, so that everything we see and hear you see and hear.
Here is Part 3 in our ongoing DBB at the Combine series …
Should the Bears look to find Cutler’s eventual replacement?
That seems to be one of the biggest questions surrounding the Bears when it comes to the 2016 draft.
No, it’s not an immediate need, but as a Bears fan, do you feel all that confident about David Fales being the backup? We both believe in developing a quarterback. It worked out pretty well for Aaron Rodgers, as much as we hate to bring up a Packer…
Ryan Pace said that the Bears will be open to drafting a quarterback this year, even Cutler seemed receptive to the idea. It was reported on Thursday that the Bears met with Christian Hackenberg (who is on this list).
This furthers the already real possibility of the Bears taking a quarterback, and if it does occur, it’ll probably come anytime after the first round.
So, pay close attention to what happens in Indy so you know what the Bears are getting if one of these names are called on draft day.
Will’s List:
Connor Cook, Michigan St.
Cook has been in a pro-style offense as a four-year starter, which should not go undervalued. He can take consistent punishment, and is tough in the pocket. He has the traits you want in a quarterback, he is a confident passer, throws the ball with zip and plays with proper mechanics. He can be too flat-footed in the pocket, and has a difficult time feeling the blitzer. Cook has all the pieces, and with time to develop, could put them all together and excel in the NFL.
Drills I’m watching: pocket movement, throwing routes, 7 step roll out
Nate Sudfeld, Indiana
Sudfeld has the arm strength, has a big arm and can sling the ball. He is very tall at 6’6 and has no difficulty seeing the entire field. He does struggle with being consistent with his delivery and needs to improve his accuracy. That said, he has the intangibles that scouts covet, and is an intriguing late-round developmental prospect. Chicago could decide to use one of their sixth round picks on Sudfeld as it might be worth the gamble.
Drills I’m watching: throwing routes, 3-5 step drop/throw, bench press
Jacoby Brissett, N.C. State
Brissett has a big arm to go along with his big frame. He has the lower body strength that allows him to extend plays in the pocket. Brissett is a highly accurate passer who can utilize play action. He only threw six interceptions in 2015 and tends to stay out of trouble. He does struggle with deep ball accuracy and has trouble adjusting mid-play. Brissett could jump up draft boards with a strong combine performance, I for one, will be watching him closely.
Drills I’m watching: 40-yard dash, 3-5 step drop/throw, throwing routes
Brandon’s List:
Christian Hackenberg, Penn State
I’ve been on and off about Christian Hackenberg for quite some time. The Chicago Bears have already talked to him this week, so we know the interest is there. His throwing form is quick and smooth, plus he can make the deep throw with ease. Hackenberg’s offensive line often failed him at Penn State as he’s been sacked 82 times the last two seasons. For that reason, I’m not sure we’ve seen his full potential. It’s tough to tell where he will fall, if he is still on the board after round two I think the Bears should draft Christian Hackenberg.
Drills I’m watching: 40-yard dash, pocket movement, 3-5-7 step drop/throw
Jake Coker, Alabama
Coker has won multiple titles in his collegiate career so he knows what it takes to win. Even if it was at a lower level, bringing that mentality to the Bears locker room can help. He has a solid throwing form and does a good job of stepping into his throws. Coker struggles with accuracy and will need play makers around him if you want to see the same success that he had in college. Some say he’s going to be a project, I disagree. With a little work and some patience he can develop into a strong NFL starter one day.
Drills I’m watching: 7 step roll out, pocket movement, throw routes
Brandon Allen, Arkansas
Very similar to Jay Cutler, Brandon Allen throws the ball well on the run. Allen played for an Arkansas team that used a lot of run fakes so he did not have to scan the field too often. This coupled with his size of 6’1 worries me. He’s got a strong arm and some good accuracy. I’m anticipating him being a sixth or seventh round pick but with a weaker quarterback class, he has the potential to move up significantly.
Drills I’m watching: 40-yard dash, 7 step roll out, throwing routes
Tomorrow we head to Indianapolis! 🙂
After our day at the combine, we will have a Special Combine Edition of Da Bears Brothers, where we will share our first-hand takeaways from Indy.
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We’ll talk to you soon! #BearDown
Fales was the best college QB I’ve ever seen. 2nd time I saw him play he reminded me of Tom Brady. The dude just gets it. Whoever gives him a shot won’t be disappointed