The NFL draft is arguably one of the most hopeful times of the year for pro football fans across the nation. The opportunity to find the next great playmaker at a certain position brings excitement and anticipation and this year is no different.
For fans of the Chicago Bears, however, it’s also a reminder of all of the major misses that have occurred over the years.
From injuries to legal issues and simply poor play, every draft class is going to have its share of busts and players who fail to meet expectations. We already looked at the best draft picks the Bears have made over the last 20 years, now it’s time to look at the worst of the worst.
DT Jarron Gilbert
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While it was tempting to put second-round flops like wide receiver Mark Bradley and tight end Adam Shaheen in this list, it’s defensive lineman Jarron Gilbert that edges them both out. The man most famous for jumping out of a pool coming into the draft is still best known for jumping out of a pool. Gilbert was picked in the third round of the 2009 NFL draft and was the Bears’ first pick after dealing their first and second round selections to the Denver Broncos for quarterback Jay Cutler. Gilbert played in just four games in two seasons, registering a single tackle during his tenure before being released.
OL Chris Williams
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The 2008 NFL draft was loaded with star offensive tackles. Jake Long, Ryan Clady, Branden Albert, and Duane Brown were among the best in the class and it was good timing for the Bears as they were in desperate need of protection on the offensive line. They took a swing and a miss with Chris Williams out of Vanderbilt. Williams got off to a rough start due to a back injury and didn’t make his debut until halfway through his rookie year. After some ups and downs at tackle, he was moved to guard in 2010, having some success, but also continuing to deal with injuries. Williams never panned out as the team’s franchise left…