The 2024 NFL Draft is just days away, and with the Chicago Bears poised to bring in one of the most highly-anticipated classes in recent years, now is a perfect opportunity to look back at some of the best draft classes in franchise history.
Dating back to the 1936 NFL Draft, the first of its kind, the Bears have participated in the event every year, and have added several legendary players anywhere from the top five to the 20th round. With that in mind, here are the top 10 draft classes in Chicago Bears history, starting with a few honorable mentions:
Honorable Mentions: 2022 and 2023 Chicago Bears Draft Classes
It is hard to say too much about a draft class in totality when the athletes are still playing out their careers, let alone still playing on rookie-scale contracts, but the 2022 and 2023 draft classes may have the potential to be amongst the best in Chicago Bears' history.
In 2022, despite not having a first-round pick, new general manager Ryan Poles was able to add two instant starters in the second round with the additions of cornerback Kyler Gordon and safety Jaquan Brisker. In the fifth round, the Bears picked up offensive tackle Braxton Jones, who has turned into the team's starter on the left side of the line.
The 2023 class was perhaps an even stronger showing for the Bears, who benefitted greatly from the trade with the Carolina Panthers. With their first three picks, the team added three starters in first-round offensive tackle Darnell Wright, second-round defensive tackle Gervon Dexter, and third-round cornerback Tyrique Stevenson, all of whom had strong rookie campaigns. Even later-round selections like running back Roschon Johnson, wide receiver Tyler Scott - both selected in the fourth-round - and fifth-round defensive back Terrell Smith showed flashes in their first years and may be in line for an uptick in playing time come fall.
Again, it is too difficult to place either of these classes amongst the top ten in team history, an honor here that is bestowed upon classes with no current active players (often by a wide margin). Still, both of these classes deserve a nod, and they are a reminder to trust the current front office and their selections throughout the weekend.