Why the Bears went big for the Mitch Tribusky trade in the 2017 NFL Draft.

By: Jimmie Sykes

Credits: Nam Y. Huh/AP photo

Trubisky is here for a good time and a long time.

In 2017, the Bears traded up to take Mitchell Tribusky second overall in the draft. Trubisky played less games than your accustomed higher drafted quarterbacks. He even heard his name before former Heisman nominee Deshaun Watson and current MVP Patrick Mahomes. Nonetheless, Chicago had their hands on a work in progress.

While only playing 13 games in college, a big question mark was the young quarterback versus the newly-signed QB Mike Glennon. Chicago signed Mike Glennon and quickly the Bears had a controversy on their hands. Glennon started the season for Chicago and was quickly benched after a 1-3 start to his short lived stint. Trubisky got his debut in a 20-17 loss on Monday Night Football against the Minnesota Vikings.

His second year campaign was treated like his rookie campaign. A new coach and offensive system molded behind Mitch with the acquisition of Matt Nagy. Chicago was faced with a new direction in Trubisky's second year.

The emergence of a stout defense, new offensive weapons, and the big catch Khalil Mack put the NFC North on notice. Their defense beat and bruised almost every one they came across last year. As for Trubisky, fans and viewers seen a side of tapped potential.

After being caught like a deer in headlights in the season opener versus Green Bay, Trubisky's future as a QB was questioned. That didn't last long, because he would soon raise hell week 4 at home versus Tampa Bay. HE erupted for six touchdown passes, five of those connecting with five different receivers in the first half.

Fun fact: This game was the birth of "Arm-sleeve Mitch".

After his historic performance, Mitchell's stats balanced out. He finished his second year with 3,223 yards, 24 touchdown passes, and 12 interceptions. Along with a 66 percent of his passes completed, he also rushed for 421 yards and three touchdowns. His game was good enough for Pro Bowl honors.

What needs to be emphasized with Trubisky is that the sky is the limit. He a 4.6 40-yard dash runner with the elusiveness to get him away from any type of defender. His play calling and recognition improved as the season progressed. Coming into the 2019-20 season, he has even more weapons around him that will give him several offensive packages. You can expect him to gain more confidence and trust from his teammates along the way.

Chicago went big with trading up for Mitch. Who knows if he would've still been there at number three. As of right now, he's living up to the life as a franchise quarterback. He has big play arm strength and capable accuracy.

Also, he flashed that he can show up for the big game in the playoff matchup versus the Eagles. Mitch finished his first playoff game 26 for 43 with 303 yards and a touchdown. Down the stretch he stood tall and reeled his team near close to winning the game. We all know how that ended, though.

Double doink.

When Trubisky is in the zone, he can unload the arsenal with a dual threat play style. Mitch isn't a quarterback you want to see get hot if you're opposing him. Honestly, I feel as if Trubisky, Patrick Mahomes, and Deshaun Watson have the best quarterback class since Phillip Rivers, Ben Roethlisberger, and Eli Manning in 2006. They're going to be special to this league for a long time. 

Ryan Pace set Mitch up to potentially lead his team to the top of the division for years to come. It will always be a fight for the top spot, but this Bears roster is stacked with enough talent to stay on notice. Their schedule for the upcoming season is no joke.

The Rams, Saints, and Chiefs are all on the radar, along with the dogfight divisional matchups. Chicago's seriousness will get put to the test this season. Just look at it as an opportunity for Mitch's leadership ability to grow.