With less than two weeks until the 2020 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears are set to pick first in the second round. They’ll look to upgrade their offensive line, strong safety position, and more. While it seems like their quarterback room is set with Nick Foles, Mitch Trubisky, and Tyler Bray, there are some intriguing prospects that could be available in the later rounds. One of those prospects is University of Hawaii’s Cole Mcdonald.
Why does this prospect seem like a logical selection then for the Bears?
The Bears Would Be Getting An Athlete
McDonald is athletic. He’s got a great build for an NFL-caliber quarterback: 6’3″, 215 pounds, with 32 1/4″ inch arms and almost 10 inch hands. He’s quick on his legs and has great mobility.
The idea of a true dual-threat quarterback resides in McDonald. That sort of playmaker would be nice to have for the Bears, who are looking to get their offense moving.
McDonald is coming off his last collegiate season with over 4,000 passing yards, 33 touchdowns, and a completion rate of 63.8%, according to ESPN. He helped lead the Rainbow Warriors to a 10-5 record, making them the best team in the Mountain West Conference.
LOW RISK, HIGH REWARD
Every NFL prospect has their flaws. For McDonald, he has a strange release and needs work on throwing the ball deep. With these areas of improvement among other things, McDonald has slipped in draft projections.
He has his areas to work on, however he’s got a lot of upside. His progressions and decision making can be improved in a good system with a solid coaching staff. The Bears have the “quarterback whisperer” in John Defilippo; a year under his tutelage could really help perfect McDonald. McDonald could learn and be molded into the quarterback of the future, or at least develop for a year with a chance to play elsewhere.
The quarterback room would be full, but there would be no pressure for McDonald to play right away. If things go south this season, the Hawaii prospect would have an advantage over any other quarterback brought in come 2021. If he doesn’t work out, the team has no pressure to keep him around.
ALLOWS THE BEARS TO FILL OTHER NEEDS
The Bears have four selections in the sixth and seventh round. Besides their two second round picks and a fifth, their draft capital is small. This is also assuming general manager Ryan Pace doesn’t try to move up or down.
If McDonald is expected to fall late in the draft, the team could scoop him up with one of those sixth or seventh round picks. This would allow them to focus on more pressing positional needs early, while also stashing a talented quarterback prospect onto the team.
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