Biggs: Bears taking look at QBs for draft

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Yates, Dalton, Scott Tolzien and Enderle all getting personal treatment

By Brad Biggs, Tribune Reporter

8:12 PM CDT, March 15, 2011


The Bears' short-lived and ultimately failed experiment with a rookie quarterback last year hasn't changed their desire to get a developmental player in the pipeline.

In fact, maybe the four-month fling with sixth-round draft pick Dan LeFevour, the record-setter from Central Michigan, has increased the franchise's desire to try it again and get it right. LeFevour didn't perform well but the plan was to keep him on the practice squad. But then the Bengals scooped him up.

The Bears put North Carolina quarterback T.J. Yates through a private workout Tuesday. They will do the same with TCU's Andy Dalton on Thursday. Offensive coordinator Mike Martz has checked out Wisconsin's Scott Tolzien and Idaho's Nathan Enderle at pro days.

What does the Bears' homework on draft prospects mean for backup Caleb Hanie? Maybe nothing. But it could indicate he will be locked into the No. 2 role behind Jay Cutler when the labor situation is resolved. Few teams would want to keep a fourth-year pro as a developmental guy.

If Martz isn't comfortable making Hanie No. 2 now, will he ever be? The Bears can't add a more experienced veteran, keep Hanie and stash a drafted quarterback on the 53-man roster. They also can't gamble sneaking a quarterback through waivers to the practice squad without risking a draft pick again.

The Bears' focus isn't just on passers. Offensive line coach Mike Tice attended Florida's pro day, getting an up-close look at guard/center Mike Pouncey, who the Bears might need to trade up from No. 29 in the first round to select. Gators offensive tackle Marcus Gilbert is another highly rated prospect and Carl Johnson and Maurice Hurt are possible late-round picks.

League sources also told the Tribune the Bears conducted private workouts for Boise State wide receiver Austin Pettis and Cal running back Shane Vereen.

Wide receiver is a need for the Bears but the team figures to look to both lines and maybe cornerback before prioritizing a target for Cutler. Vereen is an intriguing prospect who many target to go in the second or third round, likely too high for the Bears to consider.