Chicago Bears Draft History: The 1983 Draft
The Bears had two first round picks in the 1983 NFL Draft. Those picks were offensive tackle Jim “Jimbo” Covert from Pittsburgh (6th overall) and wide receiver Willie Gault from Tennessee (18th overall).
Chicago decided to bolster their offense with their first two picks and selected two players who would be cornerstones for the franchise over the next few seasons. Covert was, perhaps, the biggest part of the plan to bolster the offense.
He made the United Press International’s All Rookie team in 1983 to kick of his career the right way. He earned additional honors during his career and helped anchor an offensive line that helped allow Walter Payton to run the ball effectively in the mid 80’s. Covert also helped as a part of the team that would eventually win the Super Bowl.
Covert’s final season in Chicago came in 1991 when he spent the entire season on injured reserve. He retired during the 1992 off-season.
Bears fans will remember Gault, the speedster, who came to the Bears as one of the fastest players in football. Chicago needed someone who could stretch the field and give them a threat on offense other than Payton. Although his numbers didn’t stand out that much (the most catches he had with the Bears in his career was 42 catches in 1986 and he never broke the 1000 yard mark) he was effective.
“Speedy” Willie Gault was with the Bears for five seasons before going to the Raiders in 1988. He retired from the NFL following the 1993 season.