Late To The Party
Another mistake the franchise has made over the years in regards to their quarterback drafting methods was waiting too long. No, not waiting until later rounds. Waiting until later in the first round. There is actually a common trend people haven’t noticed about the most successful QBs the Bears have drafted over the years.
They were either the first or second off the board.
- 1939: Sid Luckman (first off board)
- 1946: Johnny Lujack (second off board)
- 1985: Jim McMahon (second off board)
One also could’ve included Bobby Layne in that mix, whom they drafted in 1948. The future Hall of Famer was later traded. He was the second quarterback taken that year. As for the remaining Bears first round picks, most of whom were busts, they all had the same thing in common. Being leftovers.
- 1987: Jim Harbaugh (fourth off board)
- 1999: Cade McNown (fifth off board)
- 2003: Rex Grossman (third off board)
On average, an NFL draft produces two Pro Bowl quarterbacks in their entirety. That means the odds are fairly good that at least one of them will be gone in one of those first two selected. That drastically drops the odds that the team picking the third, fourth or fifth quarterback will be lucky enough to get the other. Big shocker the Bears haven’t hit that lottery ticket yet.
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