Bears post-draft review: It’s all about the QB

The draft has passed but the Bears still have questions to answer. The Sun-Times’ Mark Potash tackles them:

Who was the most important veteran the Bears acquired this offseason?

Nick Foles not only will provide much-needed competition for Mitch Trubisky, but will be a litmus test for Matt Nagy and Ryan Pace. At this point, Trubisky looks like the problem. But if Foles also falters — after the Bears’ paid a premium to get him because of his knowledge of the Nagy offense, instead of waiting for Cam Newton or Jameis Winston — the issue is likely the GM and/or the head coach.

The Bears’ best draft pick was …

Utah cornerback Jaylon Johnson. Assuming he’s healthy, Johnson has a chance to be an immediate hit — a superb athlete with plenty of college experience playing in an NFL defense with one of the best front-sevens in the league. That said, in a draft process where teams were unable to get up-close with prospects, Johnson’s injury history could be problematic.

Grade Ryan Pace’s 2020 draft …

B. And that’s considering the Bears’ first-round pick helped acquire Khalil Mack; a fourth-round pick was used to get Foles and another fourth-round pick helped acquire running back David Montgomery last year.

Otherwise, this draft on paper is a C, with many “still developing” players. Tight end Cole Kmet could be a big hit, but could need time to develop in Nagy’s offense. Pass rusher Trevis Gipson and wide receiver Darnell Mooney are roll-of-the-dice guys with big upsides. Cornerback Kindle Vildor figures to be a special-teams player early.

What’s the expectation for Cole Kmet in 2020?

As a second-round pick who is still growing into the position, Kmet’s 2019 production at Notre Dame seems like a fair measurement of success as an NFL rookie — 43 receptions for 515 yards (12.0 avg.) and six touchdowns. Two big questions: Can he get open? And can Nagy’s offense get him open?

Which veteran is most in danger of being released before the season starts?

Tight end Adam Shaheen. Even if he makes it to training camp, there don’t seem to be enough reps for him to prove he deserves to make the team.

Should the Bears pick up Mitch Trubisky’s fifth-year option?

No. If Trubisky is good enough in 2020 to deserve a fifth year, the Bears will sign him to a long-term deal. But the bar is high — showing promise won’t be enough to keep Trubisky around for 2021. He’ll have to be great.

With the schedule coming out in a week, which matchup intrigues you most?

Tom Brady, Rob Gronkowski and Bruce Arians’ Buccaneers offense vs. the Bears’ defense at Soldier Field? That’s a sure-fire prime-time event.

Did the Packers drafting Jordan Love help or hurt them?

It’s tough to argue with an organization that has had two starting quarterbacks in the past 28 seasons, but the Packers might have gotten too cute here. If anything, they erred by not drafting a wide receiver at all. Getting Greg Jennings in the second round in 2006 turned out to be the key to Brett Favre’s rejuvenation and Aaron Rodgers’ early success when the Packers made a similar gambit in 2005.