Chicago Bears: 15 Greatest First Round Picks of All-Time

Dan Hampton is one of the most underrated players in NFL history. That may seem like a ridiculous comment. Hampton made four Pro Bowls, was First-Team All-Pro four times and Second-Team All-Pro two additional times. He was PFW’s Defensive Player of the Year in 1982 and he was a member of the NFL 1980s All-Decade Team.

Where Hampton becomes underrated is his ability as a defensive tackle. Hampton played both defensive end and tackle during his days with the Bears. While he was still a Pro Bowl caliber player at end, he was a phenomenal defensive tackle, and arguably, one of the best defensive tackles to ever play the game.

Hampton had the ability to disrupt the running game, but more impressively was his ability to blow up the pocket and rush the passer from the inside. Hampton’s dominance was a driving force behind the 1985 Bears.

His versatility to be able to bounce out to defensive end was the reason that the Bears were able to play William Perry at defensive tackle, allowing him to become the icon he was that season.

The fact that Hampton is only sixth on this list must mean the top-five is really special.