A look at the Chicago Bears best draft picks over the last 10 years
By Evan Bruner
Chicago Bears NFL Draft 2018: Roquan Smith, ILB
Selection: First Round (eighth overall)
Although Roquan Smith’s departure from Chicago was far from ideal, it’s hard to discredit his time with the team. He was a valuable contributor from day one and has continued to be with the Baltimore Ravens.
He was initially overshadowed by guys like Khalil Mack and Eddie Jackson, but by 2019 Smith’s impact on the defense was undeniable.
Another notable selection from this draft was second-round pick James Daniels who also left town for an AFC North after not getting his desired offer from the Bears. Both of these players have been impactful starters and were commendable picks.
The rest of the draft, however, tells a different story. Trading up into the second round and surrounding multiple picks, including a 2019 second in the process for slot receiver Anthony Miller highlights Pace’s mismanagement of draft capital.
Joel Iyiegbuniwe and Bilal Nichols didn’t receive second contracts and are playing elsewhere. Sixth-round pick Kylie First has been out of the league since 2021, and the infamous Javon Wims went in the seventh.
While top-heavy, the 2018 class graded out to be a solid one for the Bears and one of the better ones of the Pace era.