PHILADELPHIA – The Chicago Bears threw the 2017 NFL draft for a loop after one pick, and the guy they got says he’s going to have to wait.
The Bears moved up one spot in a trade with the San Francisco 49ers to select North Carolina quarterback Mitchell Trubisky with the No. 2 overall selection. This, despite Chicago signing Mike Glennon to a three-year, $45 million deal earlier in the offseason to make him the presumed starter.
Trubisky said he “did not have a lot of discussions” with the Bears throughout the pre-draft process, and added that it was Chicago general manager Ryan Pace who told him in a phone call that Glennon would be the starter.
“I’m going to go into a great situation, where Mike is the starter,” Trubisky told reporters Thursday night. “So I look forward to learning from him and the other veterans on the team. I just have to come in, prove myself, learn the offense as quick as possible and help the Chicago Bears win.”
Despite having just one year of starting experience, Trubisky made a fast impression last season with North Carolina. He completed 68% of passes and impressed NFL scouts with his throwing ability, athleticism and 6-2, 220-pound frame.
“I look forward to going in and competing as always,” Trubisky said. “Everywhere I have been, my whole life I have been a competitor. I’m going to learn from the guys, and help them as well.”
In the trade, the 49ers acquired the No. 3 overall selection, third- and fourth-round picks this year and a 2018 third-round pick.
“It’s my job to go in there and prove them right that they made the right decision,” Trubisky said.
