The Chicago Bears didn’t send the same cavalcade to North Carolina’s pro day to observe quarterback Mitchell Trubisky as they did at Clemson with Deshaun Watson.
And the Bears weren’t alone. There were 81 sets of eyes on Watson in Clemson, S.C., but only 75 were on hand in Chapel Hill on Tuesday. At least all 32 teams were represented at North Carolina’s pro day, even though no head coaches were on hand.
In the end, whoever was in attendance was treated to a good showing.
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One NFL executive handed out what might be the highest praise anyone can give a quarterback prospect. According to ESPN’s Todd McShay, Trubisky drew a comparison to Green Bay Packers star Aaron Rodgers. Similarities include having a quick release, balance while on the run, and general arm talent. Of course, that doesn’t mean Trubisky will be Rodgers, because a ton of development had to take place from draft day in 2005 to Rodgers’ first start in 2008. Could some pieces of a quality quarterback be in place? Sure. But to draw the Rodgers comp at this stage sets up for a major disappointment.
Trubisky obviously thinks of himself highly, and why wouldn’t he after coming off a season where he threw for 3,748 yards, 30 touchdowns, and only six interceptions? Like any good quarterback, he has an otherworldly level of self belief, saying on video: “I’m finally ready to take that leap to the next level. I know how to be a leader. I know how to be a starting quarterback. And I could do everything you need me to do on the field. I’m definitely that guy you want leading your franchise and leading your locker room.”
It seems as if Trubisky helped himself with his pro day performance, including an afternoon that featured him completing 54 of 63 passes. Lorenzo Reyes of USA Today describes Trubisky’s performance – which showcased his arm, mobility, and accuracy – as crisp. Four of Trubisky’s nine incomplete passes were drops, while the other five were overthrows.
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Chase Goodbread writes that NFL analyst Mike Mayock echoes those sentiments. “(Trubisky) doesn’t have an overpowering arm, but what is he? He’s a timing thrower, he’s an anticipatory thrower, and he can really move, left or right,” Mayock said. “… As far as his arm strength, solid. As far as ball location and accuracy, outstanding. I thought he had a really good day and I think he helped himself.”
Pressure? What pressure? Trubisky believes the only person who could put pressure on himself is himself. Trubisky certainly seems to be comfortable in his own skin. “So you can have as many cameras out here as you want. I’m still going to be the hardest on me than anyone else who’s out here,” Trubisky said. “I try to put that aside and just try to come out here and have fun with the boys. … If you try to be something that’s not yourself, it’s not going to work out for you.”
Over at Pro Football Weekly, Hub Arkush has a video scouting report on Trubisky. Arkush believes Trubisky has “good, but not great size” and that some scouts who believed he wouldn’t measure up were proved wrong at the NFL Scouting Combine. For all his skills and potential, there isn’t enough tape on Trubisky to come to a strong conclusion about the kind of prospect who will be drafted highly and expected to be the face of a franchise. Even still, his athleticism and work ethic could help him grow into being the best quarterback of this class.
Expect to see Trubisky in Philadelphia on draft day. The North Carolina quarterback will be in attendance when Roger Goodell will potentially call his name and introduce Trubisky to his new team. Will he go handshake or high-five? Perhaps something completely out of the ordinary? In any case, he has five weeks to figure it out.
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