Hoge's Bears Things: The much-celebrated quarterback class of 2021 is dwindling

Good morning!

I feel injured just looking at the Bears’ injury report. So let’s discuss something else…

The much-celebrated 2021 quarterback class is down to three.

And I’d call it more like 2.5. 

If you remember, five quarterbacks were selected in the first round of that NFL Draft:

No. 1 – Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars
No. 2 – Zach Wilson, New York Jets
No. 3 – Trey Lance, San Francisco 49ers
No. 11 – Justin Fields, Chicago Bears
No. 15 – Mac Jones, New England Patriots

Wilson was already benched last year and now there’s word that the 49ers are shopping Trey Lance after just 102 passing attempts in two seasons (by the way, if I’m the Vikings and Lions, I’m interested). Other quarterbacks selected in that same draft have also fizzled out, with Kyle Trask and Davis Mills being relegated to backup duty and the Vikings dumping Kellen Mond after just one season. 

That leaves Trevor Lawrence, Justin Fields and Mac Jones. 

And let’s be honest, the race to superstardom is really down to Lawrence and Fields. Jones is just a guy.

Even the most biased Bears fan would have to admit Lawrence has accomplished more through two seasons, but it’s hard to ignore the fact that their peers ranked Fields No. 86 on the NFL 100, 10 spots ahead of Lawrence. 

The fact that Fields is still in this conversation is foreign territory for the Bears, and frankly, something to be celebrated. 

Now they just have to keep him healthy.

So, about that offensive line… 

Up Next: The Bears have their last practice today before facing the Bills in the preseason finale on Saturday. I’ll be at Halas Hall today and will join The CHGO Bears Podcast with updates from Lake Forest. The show airs live on YouTube at noon CT.