There are still seven games left in the regular season, but Chicago Bears supporters are already debating GM Ryan Poles’ potential draught choices for the 2024 class in great detail. There’s a widespread perception that the Bears will undoubtedly select a quarterback if they receive the #1 overall pick. Which quarterback that would be is up for debate. There are two strong contenders for that desirable position. Caleb Williams of USC and Drake Maye of North Carolina are the two. Both are quite good, but it depends on which Poles value more.
Drafting a quarterback involves many factors. His accuracy, arm strength, dexterity, IQ, and speed of brain processing are all measured. To assess them as a person—from their leadership to their off-field activities—many interviews are also conducted. But we already know how Poles are going to tackle this. During his two off-seasons, he demonstrated that one criterion is more important than the others.
In the event of a tight comparison, he will choose the better physical specimen. Big athletes are adored by Poles. That was reflected in Darnell Wright, Gervon Dexter, Tyrique Stevenson, and Zacch Pickens. Maye will be the Bears’ choice in April if he adheres to that mindset and there’s no reason to believe he would stray.
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For obvious reasons, Ryan Poles will be drawn to Maye.
Aside from the character doubts, the Tarheels are a physical specimen. He is described as having 4.6 speed, being 6’4″ and 230 pounds, with arm strength comparable to Justin Herbert. Williams is 6’1, thus he has a height disadvantage from the beginning, which could account for his frequent inability to perform from the pocket on time. Even while his arm is strong, it doesn’t move as quickly as Maye’s does, and his mobility isn’t all that superior. In past draughts, smaller quarterbacks have succeeded better than the prototype. Not many, however.
Josh Allen was bigger, more athletic, and had a stronger arm, yet Cleveland selected Baker Mayfield in 2018. In the end, Indianapolis chose Andrew Luck over Robert Gryphon III. Going with the candidate who has the build required to make it in the NFL is, historically speaking, the better choice. It’s with Maye. Not so for Williams. Thus, he is the best prospect to take over as the Bears’ starting quarterback unless Ryan Poles observes something during interviews that makes him believe the youngster has the mental toughness to be a franchise player.
