Chicago Bears Drafting quarterback Dan LeFevour

Written By: mike on September 5, 2010 No Comment

In the April 2010 nfl Draft there was much debate over the Chicago Bears Drafting quarterback Dan LeFevour out of Central Michigan. Mel Kiper loved the 6th round pick while Todd McShay was luke warm about the Bears selection. The book is hardly written about the Downers Grove, Illinois native, but Mel Kiper looks like he is right so far.
LeFevour has shined during the Bears horrendous 0-4 preseason. While his statistics have not been overwhelming, less than 50% completion rate, he has shown leadership and an ability to make plays. Kiper stated that LeFevour was a very “heady” QB and has the ability to make good decisions with the football. The way the rookie has picked up the very complex playbook of the Bear’s new Offensive Coordinator, Mike Martz, you have to believe Kiper was right about the kid’s intelligence. LeFevour’s ability to make plays with his feet when receivers have been covered during his preseason play is another aspect of his game that Kiper nailed. LeFevour has tucked the ball and ran for a 1st down 3 times in his limited snaps instead of forcing the ball into coverage.
McShay talked about LeFevour’s lack of accuracy and not always, “pounding the strike zone.” I take issue with this, while at CMU he completed 66.4% of his passes as a four year starter. His accuracy may not be perfect, but he consistently threw a catchable ball. Ron Jaworski backed up my opinion by stating that Mike Martz is an excellent evaluator of quarterbacks and accuracy is extremely important to him. Martz would never draft a QB that was inaccurate or a QB that he couldn’t correct an accuracy issue.
Quite frankly, it looks like the Bears got a steal with the kid out of Benet Academy in the 6th round. The NCAA’s all-time total touchdown leader, with 149, has shown poise, playmaking ability, arm strength and yes, accuracy during practice and preseason games. If the rookie can continue to learn the Bears complex playbook he may be their option before the other back up, Caleb Hanie. However, the Bears did sign career back up QB Todd Collins to a contract when Hanie hurt his shoulder. I do not look at this as a lack of confidence in LeFevour, just the Bears making sure they have some experience behind Jay Cutler if he does get hurt.

Joel