April 16--As the NFL draft nears, we're taking an 11-day position-by-position look at what's out there and what the Bears need.
Bears status
It took until mid-March for new general manager Ryan Pace and coach John Fox to back Jay Cutler publicly as their probable starter. But even that proclamation carried a subdued tone. Cutler's massive contract, delivered by former GM Phil Emery, limited Pace's exit strategy options. But beyond this year, the new regime won't stick with a setup that's not working. So consider this another make-or-break year for Cutler. And understand the franchise's search for alternatives already is underway.
Level of draft need: Low
Pace has gone on record with his aggressive philosophy for acquiring quarterbacks, a stance the GM said will push him toward adding a quarterback every year. "Increase your odds," Pace said. That means that even with Cutler locked in for 2015, the Bears will seek added competition and depth in any way possible. Jimmy Clausen is penciled in as the backup until further notice.
Top prospect
Jameis Winston, Florida State
6-4, 231 pounds
Worth a look: Former Bears coach Lovie Smith will get the first crack at Winston. And if Smith and the Buccaneers select the 2013 Heisman Trophy winner with the No. 1 pick, they will do so with full confidence in Winston's pro-ready skill set. Talent evaluators fawn over Winston's arm strength and ability to read defenses, not to mention his 26-1 record in two seasons as the Seminoles starter.
Stay away: Winston's turbulent tenure in Tallahassee, Fla., was marred first when a fellow student accused him of rape (no formal charges were filed). Then incidents in which he a) shoplifted crab legs from a Publix; and b) repeatedly shouted a vulgar expression from atop a table in the student union further tarnished his reputation. Even with all the talent, is it really wise to hand a team's most important leadership duties to someone with such a spotty track record of off-the-field decision making?
Intriguing options for Bears
Marcus Mariota, Oregon
6-4, 222 pounds
Worth a look: Like Winston, Mariota was a proven winner in college, 36-5 as a starter and the engine in Oregon's run to last season's national championship game. At a position where leadership ability is a prerequisite for high-level success, Mariota comes loaded with intangibles, a highly regarded teammate with a constant thirst to continue learning. His athleticism and playmaking instincts also are obvious pluses. It's a long shot that Mariota still will be on the board at No. 7, but if he is, Pace will face a major decision.
Stay away: Coming out of a shotgun spread system, it will take Mariota time to grasp the nuances of playing quarterback in the NFL. The biggest questions revolve around how quickly he can learn to move through his progressions and throw with anticipation.
Bryce Petty, Baylor
6-3, 230 pounds
Worth a look: NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock left the combine gushing about the grace of Petty's passing. Said Mayock: "If you were just going to play catch in the backyard or play seven-on seven, that's my guy." As a mid-round option, Petty will be worth a roll of the dice, particularly for a team that doesn't need him to play right away.
Stay away: The word "project" is stamped in bright red letters. Petty's pocket awareness is nowhere near NFL-ready. At times, when his first read isn't there, he will get jumpy and indecisive and flustered into poor throws.
Sean Mannion, Oregon State
6-6, 229 pounds
Worth a look: UCLA's Brett Hundley and Colorado State's Garrett Grayson are touted more. But Mannion's experience as a traditional pocket passer in a pro-style offense is notable. He threw for a Pac-12 record 4,662 yards and 37 touchdowns in 2013.
Stay away: Mannion lacks mobility and pressure flusters him easily, leading to major issues with ball security. He may be ideally suited as a backup in the NFL and not truly worth using a pick on before the sixth round.
Sleeper
Brandon Bridge, South Alabama
6-4, 229 pounds
Worth a look: Bridge's arm strength is off the charts with the rangy quarterback throwing a pretty deep ball while also able to deliver darts on the run or off balance. Mix in his size and athleticism and he's a potential diamond in the rough.
Stay away: Coming out of the Sun Belt conference, Bridge isn't exactly battle tested. His mechanics and footwork remain unrefined. A completion percentage of .521 as a senior is a huge red flag.
dwiederer@tribpub.com
