Refreshing Draft Bears: Top 5 Draft Picks of the Last 10 Years
#1-Matt Forte 2008, 2nd Rd #13, RB
This may be controversial, but has there been a draft pick that has been more consistent in recent memory than Forte? Entering the 2008 NFL draft, many scouts had Forte ranked as a late 3rd round, early 4th round selection. There was not one scouting report that labeled Forte as an every down NFL running back as he was “not elusive enough, he lacked speed and needed to improve his route running.” Almost every scout questioned his ability to play against elite competition, coming from Tulane. Well, I think we can all agree that those scouts were dead wrong. On top of his 6,666 rushing yards, 35 rushing tds and 4.3 career average, he has compiled 341 receptions, 2,919 receiving yards and 12 career receiving tds. Not bad for a guy that can’t run a route and is too slow. His 1,715 yards from scrimmage as a rookie is a Bears all-time rookie record. Forte has been a staple of consistency on offense as well as a 2-way threat throughout his entire career. He may not be a hall of famer like Hester, but his versatility along with the Bears constant dependence on his production make this the best Bears draft pick of the last 10 years.
Nov 10, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte (22) rushes the ball against Detroit Lions cornerback Rashean Mathis (31) during the second half at Soldier Field. Detroit defeats Chicago 21-19. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Honorable mentions that JUST missed the cut…..
Kyle Long 2013, 1st Rd #20, G
Chris Harris 2005, 6th Rd #7, S
Mark Anderson 2006, 5th Rd #26, DE
Bernard Berrian 2004, 3rd Rd #15, WR
Greg Olsen 2007, 1st Rd #31, TE
Johnny Knox 2009, 5th Rd #4, WR
Henry Melton 2009, 4th Rd #5, DE