Chicago Bears Report

Bears draft positional analysis: QBs

April, 18, 2011

4/18/11

11:37

AM CT

By Michael C. Wright | ESPNChicago.com

Kirby Lee/US PresswireCam Newton is the most intriguing QB prospect, but it's not a position of need for the Bears.

The presence of Jay Cutler and promising youngster Caleb Hanie push quarterback way down the priority list in terms of the Chicago Bears' positions of need heading into next week's NFL Draft.

But that doesn't mean the Bears won't consider adding a developmental prospect late in the draft if one piques their interest.

With Hanie solidly entrenched as the No. 2 quarterback, the team could be looking to upgrade at the No. 3 spot, given the shaky performance delivered by veteran third stringer Todd Collins in the NFC title game.

NFL Draft: Quarterbacks

Player	School	Height	Weight	Projected Round
Cam Newton	Auburn	6-5	248	1
Blaine Gabbert	Missouri	6-4	234	1
Jake Locker	Washington	6-3	231	1-2
Ryan Mallett	Arkansas	6-7	253	1-2
Colin Kaepernick	Nevada	6-5	233	2-3
Christian Ponder	Florida St.	6-2	229	3-4
Andy Dalton	TCU	6-2	215	3-4
Ricky Stanzi	Iowa	6-4	223	3-4
Pat Devlin	Delaware	6-2	225	5-6
Tyrod Taylor	Va. Tech	6-1	217	5-6

The next 10: 11. Greg McElroy, Alabama, 6-2, 220; 12. Taylor Potts, Texas Tech, 6-4, 218; 13. Josh Portis, California (Pa.), 6-3, 211; 14. Scott Tolzien, Wisconsin, 6-2, 212; 15. Adam Weber, Minnesota, 6-1, 209; 16. T.J. Yates, North Carolina, 6-3, 219; 17. Nathan Enderle, Idaho, 6-4, 240; 18. Ryan Colburn, Fresno State, 6-3, 233; 19. K.J. Black, Prairie View A&M, 6-2, 227; 20. Jerrod Johnson, Texas A&M, 6-5, 251.

Position grade: B

Analysis: With several teams around the league opting for a two-quarterback roster, the Bears could decide to stand pat regarding the position in the draft. But the team kept three quarterbacks on the roster in 2010, and could be looking to upgrade the No. 3 spot, currently occupied by veteran Todd Collins.

Bears coach Lovie Smith made it clear that Caleb Hanie earned the No. 2 spot with his performance filling in for Jay Cutler during the NFC title loss to the Green Bay Packers. Still, the coach says the club won't hesitate to add another signal caller if he thinks it upgrades talent on the roster.

The Bears used a sixth-round pick in 2010 on Downers Grove native Dan LeFevour, but the former Central Michigan star didn't pan out, and the team released him during final cuts. So if there's an intriguing developmental prospect available late in the draft or in rookie free agency (once a new CBA is completed), the Bears are likely to consider taking another shot at a young signal caller.

ESPNChicago's positional breakdowns

DT | OT | G | C | DE | RB | WR | QB | TE | S | LB | CB | K/P

Michael C. Wright | email

Chicago Bears beat reporter

Wright joined ESPNChicago in April 2010 after spending the previous four seasons covering the Jaguars. He also covered the Redskins for two seasons. A native Texan, Wright was a four-year football letterman at West Texas A&M University.

Tags:

Quarterback, Draft, Michael Wright, Chicago Bears, Cam Newton

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2013 CHICAGO BEARS DRAFT PICKS

RD	PICK	NAME
1	#20 (20)	Kyle Long, OL, Oregon
2	#18 (50)	Jonathan Bostic, LB, Florida
4	#20 (117)	Khaseem Greene, LB, Rutgers
5	#30 (163)	Jordan Mills,OT, Louisiana Tech
6	#20 (188)	Cornelius Washington, DE, Georgia
7	#30 (236)	Marquess Wilson, WR, Wash. St.

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