Bears Twitter Q&A: Nick Kwiatkoski’s rise, drafting a QB and more

The Sun-Times’ experts can answer your Bears questions all week on Twitter. Here’s a sampling of Tuesday’s queries sent to @adamjahns, who responds with more than 140 characters:

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A: The Bears view Kwiatkoski as a future starter. It’s why they traded up to get him in the fourth round. When he was drafted, general manager Ryan Pace described him as a “very instinctive, tough-nosed player” who “plays downhill and [is] very productive.” We’ve seen all of those traits in his three consecutive starts (31 tackles, including two for loss, one sack and two pass breakups). Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio really likes to send Kwiatkoski as a rusher. His strength and wallop really stand out. As for Kwiatkoski’s jersey sales, he certainly has the right name to be a fan favorite in Chicago.

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A: Why not keep both? Brown’s 11 catches for 79 yards and a touchdown have been a welcome addition. His production also says that he’s a quick study. He was claimed off waivers from the Ravens on Oct. 24. But Brown still is not Miller. It’s unclear how much time Miller requires after undergoing surgery on his right foot. But he will be given a chance at a comeback. Miller’s contract also is extremely affordable. On a side note, the 2017 draft is a strong one for tight ends. Miller would be a perfect role model. Tight end remains a big need. On Tuesday, the Bears signed MyCole Pruitt, a Southern Illinois product, off the Vikings’ practice squad. (Cornerback De’Vante Bausby was waived.)

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A: Peppers, a safety/linebacker, has gotten plenty of publicity. The draftniks love him. He won the Paul Hornung Award, which recognizes college football’s most versatile player. According to Michigan, he played 726 snaps on defense, 53 on offense and 154 on special teams this season. Peppers also was a Heisman Trophy finalist. But here’s my problem with him: he only has one career interception, and it was a tipped gimme against Ohio State. The Bears desperately need playmakers in the secondary. They need to be 100 percent convinced that he can be if they’re going to make him a top-5 draft pick. Pace personally scouted Michigan this year in October.

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A: Yes, but that doesn’t mean Pace should panic and draft one early. If North Carolina’s Mitch Trubisky really warrants a top-five pick, then so be it. Trust that evaluation. But quarterbacks rocket up draft boards because of the position’s overall importance. Forcing such a pick is a recipe for failure. Just look at the 2011 draft when quarterbacks Jake Locker, Blaine Gabbert and Christian Ponder went in the first 12 picks. With an unexceptional quarterback class to evaluate, the Bears can look at the Raiders as an example to follow. In 2014, the Raiders drafted outside linebacker Khalil Mack at No. 5 and quarterback Derek Carr at No. 36. That turned out well.

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A: Don’t count on it. Jeffery didn’t exactly connect with Hoyer. Their best game together was the Bears’ loss to the Jaguars when Jeffery made seven catches on 13 targets for 93 yards. Receiver Cameron Meredith did more with Hoyer and now he seems to have a connection with Barkley.