The Chicago Bears have had some memorable — and Hall of Fame — first-round picks during their storied 102-year history, with linebacker Brian Urlacher being the most recent.
Chicago hasn’t had much success in the first round in recent history — whether it was during the Jerry Angelo, Phil Emery or Ryan Pace eras. The hope is that changes with quarterback Justin Fields, who was the team’s last first-round pick in 2021.
After not having a first-round selection in three of the last four years, the Bears will pick in the top 10 in the 2023 NFL draft. They traded the No. 1 overall pick to the Carolina Panthers for two first-round picks, two second-round selections and wide receiver DJ Moore.
But Chicago does have the No. 9 pick — which will be Ryan Poles’ first-ever first-round selection — something that worked out well for the franchise back in 2000.
Here’s a look at the 10 best first-round picks by the Bears in team history, a list that includes all Hall of Famers:
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Payton is widely regarded as the best player in NFL history, and he had a profound impact on the Bears and NFL. He did it all, whether it was rushing, blocking, receiving or even passing the ball, when needed. Payton became the NFL’s all-time leading rusher in 1984, a record that stood until 2002 (Emmitt Smith). He was also part of the legendary 1985 Bears that won Super Bowl XX. Payton earned a number of honors, including NFL MVP in 1977, a nine-time Pro Bowler, five-time All-Pro. He was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1993.
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Butkus is arguably the best linebacker in NFL history, and he needs no introduction. He’s one of the toughest guys to ever play in the NFL, and his impact on the game has extended beyond the playing field. Butkus played all nine seasons in Chicago, where he made the Pro Bowl in eight of those nine seasons, earning first-team All-Pro honors five times along the way. Butkus recorded 27 fumble recoveries and 22 interceptions before knee injuries forced his retirement after the 1973 season. He was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1979.
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Sayers, the man they called the “Kansas Comet,” was one of the most elusive running backs of all time, and a part of a rich running back history with the Bears. In his seven-year career, which was shortened by a knee injury, Sayers totaled…
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