Chicago Bears: Expect QB In 2nd Round Of 2016 Draft

Dec 13, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) directs his team against the Washington Redskins during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Jay Cutler has played well enough to make the reasonable assumption that he will remain the starter for the Chicago Bears at least through the 2016 season.  However, that does not mean the team has any intention of resting on its laurels at that position.  With only the untried David Fales as a backup at present, this team needs to think about making an investment at the position both for depth and future purposes.

In order to figure out how the team might approach this in the 2016 NFL draft, it’s best to look at the history of its head coach.  John Fox has run teams since 2002.  Not once in that 13-year stretch has he taken a quarterback in the 1st round.  On the other hand, there have been two separate instances where he took one in the 2nd.

In 2010, his final year with the team, the Carolina Panthers took Notre Dame standout Jimmy Clausen with the 48th overall pick.  Forced into the starting lineup almost right away, the rookie crumbled on what was a bad team that year, finishing with a 1-9 record and just three touchdowns to nine interceptions.

Two years later, Fox did it again with the Denver Broncos when they took Brock Osweiler out of Arizona State.  After riding the bench for three seasons behind Peyton Manning, he was elevated to starter in late November of 2015 and has gone 3-1.  At the very least he’s proven himself a valuable backup with possible starter potential.

That is what the Bears can and should be looking for in the coming draft.  Thanks to $60 million in salary cap space, they can use free agency to manage some of their roster weaknesses, thus opening up the opportunity to draft a position of lesser need.  Quarterback would be at the top of that list.

Experts predict a class that has some depth to it and could have solid options available on Day 2 such as Carson Wentz of North Dakota State or Connor Cook of Michigan State.  Two players who aren’t known for elite skill but have enough talent combined with histories of winning.  Fox did say the top priority of any quarterback he adds is that he’s a winner.

When the 2nd round rolls up next April, be sure to watch that QB crop closely because the Chicago Bears radar will go active.