Chicago Bears 2020 Draft: Utah State QB Jordan Love

The Chicago Bears 2020 draft plans still could involve a quarterback. There’s no reason to think any different. People continue to wonder about the future of Mitch Trubisky. Not just because of his ongoing consistency issues, but now that he’s suffered two significant shoulder injuries in the space of a year. Some even think Chase Daniel has a serious chance to keep him on the bench if he plays above expectations this Sunday against Oakland.

While replacing Trubisky outright in the draft seems unlikely, the Bears could make a serious move to bring in some competition. Somebody who can push him in the short-term and perhaps replace him in the long-term if he doesn’t respond as hoped. Could Utah State standout Jordan Love be one such option? He’s had a lot of success lately. Here is a scouting breakdown of the possible high draft choice next April.

Chicago Bears 2020 draft look at Jordan Love

Strengths:

• The arm strength doesn’t take long to stand out. He can zip it and doesn’t need a lot of effort or fundamental perfection to reach top velocity.
• Size won’t be an issue. He isn’t huge but he has the necessary height to see the field and deliver without obstruction.
• Mobility will be a strength. Runs well and can not only buy time to throw but is capable of being a legitimate threat on the ground.
• Delivery is sound. While not compact, it comes over the top and gets off pretty quick so as to minimize the risk of fumbles.

Love gets the snap and surveys. He doesn’t panic as the rush closes in. He steps up into the pocket to buy time and flicks the ball with accuracy and zip to a well-covered receiver for a touchdown. The mechanics were crisp as well, ensuring the rushers looming behind him had no shot at the ball.

• Does a good job of keeping his eyes down the field at all times. Doesn’t get caught watching the pass rush.
• Passes are consistent with their accuracy. One will find very few balls that are way out of the necessary strike zone.
• Has shown he can make some strong throws even while under pressure, proving he doesn’t fear it.
• Mistakes tend not to impact him beyond the previous play. Has the short memory required to keep doing his job.

Weaknesses:

• Like many mobile quarterbacks, he is a bit reluctant to stay in the pocket when his first option doesn’t come open.
• Still often a one-read passer. Doesn’t move to the next option unless it’s an easy checkdown to the running back.
• Tends to rely a bit too much on throws of the lofty variety. He can get away with that sometimes, especially in college, but will pay for it in the NFL.
• Ball placement gets a bit off-kilter from time to time. Some throws end up too far outside or too low, making it hard for his receivers.
• Fundamentals get sloppy a lot. Throws off the back foot and doesn’t follow through. This lends big to the placement problems.
• Not asked to read defenses. Gets to line quickly and then lets his coaches do it for him. So he’ll have that obstacle to overcome.

Pro Comparison: Marcus Mariota

If one watches Love enough, it will be hard not to see the similarities with Mariota. The taller, lanky frame and good running ability. The over-the-top delivery with good arm strength. Also the knack for protecting the football and high production. However, he always carries the same concerns of being a pure spread system that didn’t ask him to read defenses or go through progressions as a pro passer must. These were things he had to learn, and it took a long time.

Projection: 2nd round

Love isn’t quite as talented as Mariota was. He’s not far off but he’s a click or two below. Throw in all the same concerns from the lack of polish to the minimal understanding of defensive scheming and it’s hard to justify him being a 1st round pick. Could he go that high? Of course. Kids of his talent level can and have several times. However, if one were being honest Love is a kid that should go in the first half of the 2nd round.