Drake Maye might be the best quarterback prospect, but will the Bears really invest in another North Carolina quarterback?
Bears Invest in North Carolina
For those of you wondering why Bears fans are nervous about the number one pick in the 2024 NFL draft, let me introduce you to Mitch Trubisky.
Mitch or Mitchell (as he famously corrected legions of reporters) was drafted with the second pick in 2017 NFL draft from North Carolina. He was 6’2″, very athletic and promised to be the next big thing in a town built on “The Blues Brothers” and “deep-dish pizza.”
He wasn’t. And what made the move even harder for the Bears faithful was that Chicago moved up in the draft to get him, passing on more notable names such as Deshaun Watson and Patrick Mahomes.
Having the weight of an entire city on your shoulders is a daunting task for anyone, especially when you aren’t fan chosen.
As a result of the pressure and lofty expectations, the kid from North Carolina folded.
In his best season he threw for 24 touchdowns and 12 interceptions while leading the Bears to an 11-3 record.
Despite his best efforts Trubisky didn’t work for Chicago. He was a nice kid from a small town who had some moments in the big city.
After four seasons of 64 touchdowns and 37 interceptions; Chicago was done with him.
Bears Invest Again
Once again it was back to the drawing board for the Bears. Moving on from Trubisky didn’t need explanation, but without him you had the same problem to solve.
Who will play quarterback in Chicago?
Ladies and gentleman let me introduce Justin Fields!
Fields was drafted much like Trubisky. He was selected 11th overall in the 2021 NFL Draft. The Chicago Bears, traded up with the New York Giants in exchange for the 20th overall pick, their fifth-round pick in 2021, and their first and fourth-round picks in 2022.
This is the second time the Bears have traded up in as many years. Fans liked Fields and his ability to be a duel- threat quarterback.
Finally Chicago has their guy!
Not so fast…
Since becoming the full-time starter in Chicago, Fields has shown flashes of brilliance. Although captivating at times, his magical moments haven’t translated into many wins.
Justin Fields record as a starter in the NFL is 10-28. He has thrown for 40 touchdowns, while adding 30 interceptions. And although he’s added another 14 touchdowns on the ground, the Bears need to decide if he is their quarterback of the future.
Will Bears Invest IN North Carolina Again
As we head towards the 2024 NFL draft the Chicago Bears hold the number one pick with all eyes on the quarterback.
The three that sit atop draft boards everywhere are Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye.
If the Bears decide to punt on Caleb Williams because of his odd demands such as team ownership rights. Or pass on Jayden Daniels because of his small sample size. Then the Bears could really invest in another quarterback from North Carolina.
Drake Maye is a big, strapping dude hailing from Charlotte, North Carolina. His exact measurements are 6’5″ 220 lbs. In fact when he leaves the bus and heads towards the stadium his size turns heads.
The NFL scouts are comparing Maye’s ability and style to Josh Allen and Justin Herbert–what’s not to like..
Although his positives out-weigh his negatives, Maye does have some notable deficiencies:
- His pocket presence is average and needs to be sharpened in order to succeed at the next level.
- Lower body mechanics are loose at times and cause him to be wildly inaccurate
But overall he has all the gifts necessary to be successful at the next level.
Despite both going to North Carolina, Drake Maye is not Mitch Trubisky. Bears fans need to remember this and give him a look through a clear lens.
Just because it feels like 2017 doesn’t mean it is. In that draft Watson and Mahomes clearly hit greater strides then a perceived North Carolina gem.
But I will caution fans that cringe when seeing a powder blue and white jersey, that if they’re looking for Mahomes, Allen or even Herbert..
It’s gonna be Maye!
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