It’s been over three years since the 2017 NFL Draft, but new information keeps popping up regarding the Chicago Bears and their decision to draft quarterback Mitchell Trubisky with the second overall pick – and who they chose to pass over instead.
It was clear Trubisky was general manager Ryan Pace’s top choice at the position and reports have surfaced over the last few months detailing how their scouting process with the other two prospects at the time, quarterbacks Patrick Mahomes and Deshaun Watson. Now, one of the quarterbacks revealed just how little interest Pace and the Bears had in him.
Watson, who was drafted by the Houston Texans with the 12th overall pick in the 2017 draft, tweeted that the Bears didn’t talk with him once during the predraft process while responding to a tweet by FOX Sports’ Doug Gottlieb that discussed the idea of race playing into the decision to draft Trubisky over him and Mahomes.
The bears NEVER ONCE talked to me.. https://t.co/nMX7JKW99P
— Deshaun Watson (@deshaunwatson) May 9, 2020
The revelation, unfortunately, doesn’t come as a shock. According to the Chicago Tribune’s Dan Wiederer and former writer Rich Campbell, the Bears put all their eggs into the Trubisky basket, but did entertain Mahomes throughout the process. Watson was never on their radar. Pace and members of his scouting staff did attend Watson’s pro day at Clemson — and they did speak on the phone with him — but chose not to have a private dinner like they did with Trubisky and Mahomes. Ultimately, the Bears traded up for Trubisky, the Kansas City Chiefs moved up to grab Mahomes with the 10th overall pick, and the Houston Texans followed suit, trading up to grab Watson.
As we all know now, Mahomes has quickly ascended to become the game’s most exciting quarterback, racking up an MVP award and a Super Bowl ring in his first three seasons, while Watson continues to amaze and has become a top-three quarterback in the AFC. As for Trubisky? He’s currently fighting for his job this summer against newcomer Nick Foles as the Bears continue to search for their franchise quarterback.
We’ll likely never know the true reasons the Bears decided to pick Trubisky instead of one of the other quarterbacks. But like Mahomes, Watson will have his chance to exact revenge against the Bears at Soldier Field this coming season in front of Pace and the entire Bears faithful. Perhaps he will have the final word when it’s all said and done.
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