Let’s say Fields continues to play well down the stretch and the Bears pick up his option and ride with him next year.
I’d still love to see them draft a QB in the earlyish rounds. Not with a top 10 pick (unless someone falls into their lap), but as early as round 2 (if they get a 2nd in a trade).
Who are your guys’ favorite QB prospects in the 2nd and beyond?
I like J.J. McCarthy. He’s sharp, very young, and has all the talent in the world. He’s also gotten a lot better over his time as a starter. Growth is important. I believe the smartest thing the Bears could do is keep him, draft someone developmental like a McCarthy or Bo Nix. Penix does not have the true arm strength for the NFL. You need a guy who can throw darts from time to time. Quinn Ewers is another guy that fits that mold of being a developmental prospect.
I agree with you too by the way. I believe if we trade back one of our higher picks to stock up on more capital while snagging one of these guys it could be the smartest decision we make as an organization. Let them sit and learn for a bit and get used to the game behind a vet. Learn what works and what doesn’t without being in the line of fire. That’s what the Chiefs did with Mahomes, Packers did with Rodgers, and is generally what good franchises do to build a sustainable team. Look at San Fran, they built up the roster around the QB position and now have a 7th round guy looking pretty darn good.
Anyway, I will get downvoted because everyone wants Maye or Williams, which I get. I just question whether that is the right move. There’s no guarantee they play like C.J. Stroud, Burrow, or Herbert. Those guys are exceptions, not the norm.