Everyone is focusing on Caleb Williams and the other top prospects in the 2024 draft. This includes the Chicago Bears. However, this class includes more quarterbacks than just a few. A responsible organization always evaluates and meets with each of them. You never know when you’ll come across a diamond. Ask Brock Purdy. So it should come as no surprise that GM Ryan Poles and his scouts were interested in a well-known name at the Hula Bowl last month.
According to Ryan Fowler of The Draft Network, the Bears spoke with star North Carolina Central quarterback Davius Richard during the event. He came from a modest school, a Historically Black College (HBCU), but that didn’t stop him from getting attention. Richard performed well in sessions all week and finished the game with a 24-17 victory for his squad. While he didn’t get much playing time, he demonstrated much of what made him such an enticing talent by finishing 9-3 in his final season.
The Chicago Bears’ interest in Richard is justified.
He’s 6’2 and weighs 220 pounds. So he is NFL-sized. Richard is also an outstanding athlete. His dual threat talent was on full show last year, as he rushed for 630 yards and 18 touchdowns. One might observe it and believe he’s a run-first guy. They would be foolish to think so. Richard has the ability to hit the ball with incredible velocity. It comes out of his hand with zip, demonstrating his ability to fit it into tight spaces. As a senior, he threw 21 touchdowns and four interceptions, considerably exceeding his previous season’s performance.
No HBCU quarterback has been drafted into the NFL since Tarvaris Jackson in 2006. Richard aims to snap the streak. Given his small school experience, he is more likely to be a top pick in undrafted free agency. The Chicago Bears have already demonstrated a talent for spotting small-school standouts at the position. Tyson Bagent proved this last year. If they believe Richard possesses the qualities required to compete on this team, there is no crime in giving him a chance.
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