Quarterback Mitch Trubisky is set to lead North Carolina against Stanford in the Sun Bowl, but amidst his bowl preparations, he is preparing for a decision on the 2017 NFL Draft. He has to decide if he wants to forego his remaining eligibility, and where he might get drafted will impact that decision.
Trubisky told Tar Heels media on Monday that the NFL’s college advisory council said he has a first round grade. He said the grade is based on an average of grades, so some could say higher, some could say lower. The council does not provide specifics as to where in the first round, so he will continue to seek additional information. After all, someone going in the top five or ten are looking at significantly more money than somebody at the bottom of the first. And if a player is projected toward the bottom of the first, slipping to the second drastically changes the contract status of a rookie (due to fifth year option for first round picks).
Trubisky has until January 16, 2017 to make a decision whether to turn pro. He said he thinks he will focus on the decision in the five or six days following the Sun Bowl to get his decision made.
Mock drafts have Trubisky all over the place, with some suggesting he might be the first quarterback taken, and others thinking he might slip a bit down the board. The next four months will be huge given the lack of a sure-fire top pick quarterback.
DeShaun Watson and DeShone Kizer are among those competing to be the first quarterback off the board. The 49ers will likely hold the No. 2 pick next April, and quarterback is a big need for them. Given the lack of a sure option, there will be plenty of work to be done to figure out if a quarterback is worth such a high pick.