In the upcoming NFL draft, the Chicago Bears are faced with the decision of selecting a quarterback to groom as their future franchise player. With the potential to trade their first overall pick, the Bears may turn to other options to find a mentor for their young signal-caller.

One possible choice is Drew Lock, the backup quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks. Lock has played under Bears' newly hired offensive coordinator Shane Waldron over the last two seasons, giving him valuable experience and familiarity with the system. As an unrestricted free agent, Lock could be signed by the Bears to mentor their rookie quarterback, providing competent and competitive play until the young player is ready to take the reins.

This strategy could prove vital for Bears' head coach Matt Eberflus, as he aims to maintain his sanity and job security while the rookie phenom acclimates to the NFL. The success of this approach can be seen through the "Mahomes Effect," where Kansas City Chiefs' quarterback Patrick Mahomes was mentored before taking on a starting role and eventually winning three Super Bowls in just five short years.

The Washington Commanders are another team that could be eyeing a quarterback in the draft. In the event that they are unable to convince the Bears to trade the first overall pick, they may turn their attention to Jayden Daniels from LSU. Daniels is considered a dynamic dual-threat prospect, having won the Heisman Trophy and showcasing impressive passing and rushing statistics.

The New England Patriots, known for their patient approach to player development, may also select a quarterback in the draft. Drake Maye from North Carolina is seen as a solid signal caller with physical attributes comparable to the talented Los Angeles Chargers' quarterback, Justin Herbert. The Patriots hope that Maye can replicate Herbert's success and potentially secure Offensive Rookie of the Year honors.

Other teams making moves in the draft include the Arizona Cardinals, who could add a potential game-changer to their receiving corps with Marvin Harrison Jr. from Ohio State. Harrison, son of Hall of Fame wideout Marvin Harrison Sr., is hailed as a "generational talent" with tremendous downfield skills.

The Los Angeles Chargers, under the leadership of head coach Jim Harbaugh, may target tight end Brock Bowers from Georgia. Known for his explosive playmaking abilities and versatility, Bowers is considered one of the top non-quarterback prospects in this draft class.

Meanwhile, the need for a impactful primary receiver leads the New York Giants to target Rome Odunze from Washington. With size, speed, and efficient route running, Odunze has the potential to become a number-one receiver in the NFL.

As the draft unfolds, teams like the Tennessee Titans, Atlanta Falcons, and New Orleans Saints look to bolster their offensive line, pass-rushing capabilities, and receiving corps respectively.

Overall, the NFL draft presents numerous opportunities for teams to secure promising players who could make a significant impact on their future success. It remains to be seen which teams will make the right choices and find the perfect mentors for their young talents, echoing the Mahomes effect and setting the stage for a new generation of NFL stars.