Even though the Chicago Bears have been down in recent years, this is still one of the most prestigious franchises in sports.
They’ve had plenty of outstanding players since the franchise was founded and with that in mind, here’s a look at their five best draft picks ever.
5. Mike Ditka – No. 5 overall, 1961 NFL Draft
Ditka started his career with the Bears in 1961 and was with them through the end of the 1966 season.
During his tenure (before he left), he was one heck of a tight end and finished with 316 catches for 4,503 yards and 34 touchdowns. He was also a first-team All-Pro twice.
After his playing career, he returned to Chicago and coached the Bears to a Super Bowl title (Super Bowl XX).
4. Brian Urlacher – No. 9 overall, 2000 NFL Draft
Urlacher was with the Bears from 2000-12 and had nine seasons of 100+ tackles during his career.
He appeared in 182 games, finishing with 1,353 tackles, 41.5 sacks, 12 forced fumbles, 22 interceptions, and 91 passes defended. He was a freak of an athlete and was always one step ahead of offenses when he was on the field.
He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2018 and will always be remembered as one of the best linebackers in NFL history.
3. Gale Sayers – No. 4 overall, 1965 NFL Draft
Sayers spent his entire seven-year career with the Bears and finished with 991 carries for 4,956 yards and 39 touchdowns.
While he also never won a Super Bowl with the Bears, he still revolutionized the position and won all-NFL Honors in five straight seasons and was the league’s all-time leader in kickoff returns when he retired.
He also won Rookie of the Year in 1965 after he burst on the scene and compiled 166 carries for 867 yards and 14 touchdowns.
2. Dick Butkus – No. 3 overall, 1965 NFL Draft
Butkus played for the Bears from 1965-73 and is considered to be one of the greatest linebackers in NFL history.
He appeared in 119 games and compiled 22 interceptions, 37 fumble recoveries, and 11 sacks. He never won a Super Bowl during his career but he had unbelievable speed and could cover tight ends and running backs.
1. Walter Payton – No. 4 overall, 1975 NFL Draft
Too easy, right? Payton is one of the best running backs in NFL history and spent 13 seasons with the Bears. He helped them win a Super Bowl and finished his career with 3,838 carries for 16,726 yards and 110 touchdowns.
He also compiled 4,538 receiving yards and 15 additional touchdowns.
His work on and off the field will have him be remembered as Bears royalty forever.