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2017 NFL Mock Draft: First-round projections after CFP Semifinals

By Connor Muldowney

Dec 31, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) runs the ball for a touchdown against Ohio State during the third quarter during the 2016 CFP semifinal at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Kadlubowski/The Arizona Republic via USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) runs the ball for a touchdown against Ohio State during the third quarter during the 2016 CFP semifinal at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Kadlubowski/The Arizona Republic via USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 30, 2016; El Paso, TX, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10) throws the ball against the Stanford Cardinal defense at Sun Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ivan Pierre Aguirre-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2016; El Paso, TX, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10) throws the ball against the Stanford Cardinal defense at Sun Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ivan Pierre Aguirre-USA TODAY Sports /

QB. North Carolina. Mitch Trubisky. 3. player. 57.

Is the Jay Cutler era in Chicago over? If you ran a poll with Bears fans, it would likely be split 50-50 or maybe even 60-40 in favor of Cutler being done. He has struggled to stay healthy in recent years and when he is, Jay just looks like a mediocre quarterback who peaked a few seasons ago.

Cutler has likely worn out his welcome in Chicago and that might mean it’s time for a new quarterback. Matt Barkley has done an alright job in his absence and before that it was Brian Hoyer who played well before an injury knocked him out for the season.

Placing the future of the organization in Barkley’s hands is a little frightening, though, which makes me believe the Bears will go quarterback with their first overall selection. That doesn’t mean they’re giving up on Barkley, just adding insurance just in case he doesn’t pan out.

Mitch Trubisky is the top quarterback in this year’s class, which isn’t saying much. He didn’t help his stock much with a loss to Stanford in the Sun Bowl, but there are scouts who believe he should be the No. 1 overall pick by the Browns.

The first-year starter really broke out for North Carolina this season with his elite ball placement. He has good arm strength, but sometimes struggles with the deep ball and he can also tuck and run when he needs to, showing off athleticism.

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