Chicago Bears GM always on lookout for a quarterback
Even with Jay Cutler entrenched, Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Pace has said he would not hesitate to select a quarterback anywhere in the draft if he deemed it a value pick.
If that happens this year, it would have a greater impact on backup David Fales than on Cutler, who compiled his best statistical season in 2015.
It will be interesting to see if Cutler's numbers continue to improve after last year's offensive coordinator Adam Gase left to become the Miami Dolphins' head coach.
<h3 class="breakHead">Quarterbacks</h3>
Starter: Jay Cutler.
Backup: David Fales.
Cutler cut down on interceptions, fumbles and ill-advised throws in 2015, and he posted a career-best 92.3 passer rating.
But in 2016 he will be working with his sixth offensive coordinator - Dowell Loggains, who was promoted from quarterbacks coach - as he begins his eighth season in Chicago. Loggains worked closely with Cutler throughout the 2015 season.
Cutler's improved play last season was especially impressive considering his top three wide receivers missed a combined total of 19 games because of injuries.
Since being drafted in the sixth round out of San Jose State in 2014, Fales has not thrown a pass or played in a regular-season game while spending the majority of his time on the practice squad. He did post an impressive 125.7 passer rating in limited preseason action in 2015.
The Bears gave the 6-foot-1, 228-pound Fales a vote of confidence last season when they waived then-No. 2 quarterback Jimmy Clausen after 10 games, leaving Fales as Cutler's only backup.
Fales remains largely untested, though, and he lacks ideal height and arm strength. But he gets high marks for his accuracy, work ethic and intangibles.
Draft need: moderate.
Feeling a draft: Because Cutler turns 33 in April and Fales may not project to more than a backup, the Bears need to find and develop a young quarterback.
None of this year's top passers are rated as highly as Jameis Winston or Marcus Mariota were a year ago. But California's Jared Goff is close. North Dakota State's Carson Wentz, Memphis' Paxton Lynch and possibly Michigan State's Connor Cook also could all go in the first round.
Ohio State's 6-5, 250-pound Cardale Jones presents an intriguing second-day option. Mississippi State's dual-threat Dak Prescott is a project, but he could be worth serious consideration if available on Day 3 of the draft.
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Michigan State's Connor Cook could be one of the quarterbacks to go in the first found at this year's NFL draft.