The Chicago Bears made quite the investment when they traded up to select quarterback Mitch Trubisky with the second overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. Unfortunately, he left much to be desired after enduring a rough rookie campaign.

As a result, the verdict is still out on Trubisky about whether or not he is capable of becoming Chicago's future franchise quarterback. According to Tyler Dunne of Bleacher Report, he is determined to prove the doubters wrong in the 2018 NFL season:

“If that doesn’t get you excited, I don’t know what will,” Trubisky said. “People say, ‘This kid, no matter how good he does, he’s going to be the worst in his division every year.’ That’s a challenge I’m going to accept. You have to go toe-to-toe with the big dogs. We want to make teams fear coming into Chicago, and when we come into their town, they know we’re in for a war.

“So get ready. I’m going to be prepared. I’m going to give you everything I’ve got. Hopefully, I make people eat their words with what they say about me.”

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It is encouraging to see Trubisky starting to show some thick skin. Top draft picks, especially quarterbacks, are extremely prone to criticism if they do not make an immediate impact their rookie year. He is not the only player from his draft class still looking to prove himself at the next level.

That said, such criticism is certainly well-warranted at this point in his career. Trubisky got off to a rough start after failing to beat out quarterback Mike Glennon for the No. 1 spot in training camp. He eventually replaced Glennon four games into the season mostly due to the latter's incompetent play under center. Trubisky finished his rookie campaign throwing for 2,193 yards, seven touchdowns, and seven interceptions.

Fortunately, there is good reason for him to be optimistic this time around. Chicago has made the necessary upgrades this offseason to surround him with enough talent to make some strides. Only time will tell whether or not he will be able to compensate the Bears on their investment.