The 2000 NFL draft ended up being a really good one for the Chicago Bears. Most of that was because they snared all-time great Brian Urlacher 9th overall in the 1st round. However, that draft could’ve gone quite different had one little thing gone a different direction. Memories of that draft tend to linger around how Tom Brady dropped to the 6th round. However, it was unique for another reason people sometimes forget. It became the first time in 22 years that a kicker went in the 1st round. That occurred when the Oakland Raiders grabbed Florida State standout Sebastian Janikowski 17th overall.
It was a shock to many. Not just because teams didn’t take kickers that high anymore but also because nobody had a clue the Raiders were even interested. Including the player and his agent. According to Sam Borden of ESPN, Janikowski had no contact with them going into the draft. The Bears, on the other hand, were among the teams most interested.
“It seems way too early, and even more, the Raiders aren’t anywhere on their radar. Healy had heard from the Rams, the Chiefs and definitely the Bears about interest in Janikowski leading up to the draft but never from Oakland. No calls, no questions, no meetings, nothing. But now Allen is suddenly asking Healy about Janikowski’s background and his maturity and whether he could handle playing in the NFL after some run-ins with the police at Florida State.”
Bears might’ve grabbed Sebastian Janikowski in the 2nd
Judging by that revelation, it’s quite possible the Bears might’ve looked to grab Janikowski in the 2nd round. They selected 39th overall, which was well ahead of the Chiefs and Rams. However, plenty of fans today might not like that idea at all. Why? Well mostly because the Bears ended up using that pick on Nebraska safety Mike Brown. A man who swiftly became a beloved favorite in Chicago over the next several years.
It isn’t hard to understand their interest in Janikowski though. The man had an overpowering left leg with good accuracy. He would’ve been perfect for the notoriously gusty Soldier Field. Considering he ended up playing 17 years for the Raiders, one could argue it would’ve been a successful pick too. That means he would’ve outlasted Robbie Gould by a year and Gould didn’t arrive until 2005.
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In the end, things probably worked out best for both parties.
