Power Ranking the Top 10 Draft Classes in Chicago Bears History

Number 6: 2003 Chicago Bears Draft Class

The Chicago Bears' 2003 draft class is particularly interesting as the team selected perennial superstars cornerback Charles Tillman and linebacker Lance Briggs, who were picked in the second and third rounds. The two were mainstays on Chicago's defense through the 2014 season, and in 12 seasons they combined for 58 forced fumbles, 52 interceptions, and nine Pro Bowl nominations.

The team also had two first-round selections, where they picked defensive end Michael Haynes and quarterback Rex Grossman, but both struggled to live up to their pre-draft expectations. Fifth-round receivers Bobby Wade and Justin Gage were solid role players, and fourth-round defensive tackle Ian Scott started in 26 games in his second and third seasons combined.

Number 5: 2000 Chicago Bears Draft Class

Kicking off the top 5 is the Chicago Bears' 2000 draft class, which began with linebacker Brian Urlacher as the ninth overall pick. The most recent Hall of Famer to patrol the middle of the Bears' defense, Urlacher's 13 years in Chicago included both a Defensive Rookie of the Year and a Defensive Player of the Year award as well as eight Pro Bowl and five All-Pro nominations.

Urlacher was certainly a home run first-round pick, but the Bears also nailed their second-round selection in safety Mike Brown, who recorded 17 interceptions over 9 seasons in Chicago. The team also found value in the later rounds with sixth-round kicker Paul Edinger, who never missed a PAT with the Bears, and seventh-round defensive back Michael Green.