December 31, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Clemson Tigers head coach Dabo Swinney (left) and quarterback Deshaun Watson celebrate with the trophy after defeating the Ohio State Buckeyes in the 2016 CFP semifinal at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Chicago Cubs: Is it too Early To Slide Jason Heyward to the Leadoff Spot?

Chicago Cubs: Is it too Early To Slide Jason Heyward to the Leadoff Spot? by Matthew Squires

With the 2017 NFL Draft on Thursday, a report on Friday connected the Chicago Bears to Clemson quarterback DeShaun Watson.

The Chicago Bears hold the third overall selection in the 2017 NFL Draft that begins on Thursday. Though, there is not a clear sense of what the Bears will do with the selection.

Recent rumors have suggested that the Bears have targeted the quarterback position. The Bears have been strongly linked to North Carolina quarterback Mitchell Trubuisky over the course of the past two weeks in addition to Texas Tech quarterback Patrick Mahomes II. Trubisky would likely require the Bears to use their No. 3 selection while Mahomes may require a trade in order fo the team to select him in the later portions of the first round.

On Friday, another quarterback was added to the mix. That quarterback being Clemson quarterback DeShaun Watson.

Deshaun Watson says visited KC, CLE, JAX, 49ers, Cardinals, Texans, Jets, Bills… spoke to Bears, Ravens, Chargers on the phone. #NFLDraft — Rich Eisen Show (@RichEisenShow) April 21, 2017

Prior to Friday, there had been no concrete connection between the Bears and Watson. Though, the Bears did have a heavy presence at Clemson’s Pro Day with head coach John Fox being among attendees.

Every time that Bears’ general manager Ryan Pace has talked about addressing the Bears’ long-term need at the quarterback position through the 2017 NFL Draft, he has essentially described Watson. Pace has said on multiple occasions that he is looking for a quarterback that can elevate a franchise the way that Drew Brees elevated the New Orleans Saints. There is a direct parallel between Pace’s comments and Watson. Watson elevated the Clemson football program including a National Title game victory over Alabama last January.

It’s possible that Pace is hiding his fondness for Watson. That may also explain the plethora of Trubisky rumors that have surfaced over the course of the past two weeks. By leaking their interest in Trubisky, the Bears could be hiding their real target in Watson.

The only thing that is certain ahead of the 2017 NFL Draft on Thursday for the Chicago Bears is that there is no certainty.