Chicago Bears draft: Top picks in franchise history

Brian Urlacher, LB, 2000 1st Round (#9 overall)

Urlacher became the face of the Chicago Bears as they entered the new millennium. He also continued the Bears tradition of great middle linebackers.

Urlacher was named to eight Pro Bowls in his thirteen-year career. He was the 2000 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, and he was the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2005, and he helped lead the Bears to the franchise’s second Super Bowl appearance in 2006. He recorded 1,229 tackles, a Chicago Bears franchise record.

When Urlacher came to Chicago, the Bears were looking for an identity. The defense was in tatters, and they were only dreaming of the great defenses of the franchise’s past (does that sound familiar?).

Urlacher brought the tough, hard-hitting style back. He could go sideline to sideline with good speed, and when he hit you, you did not want that to happen again.

While the Bears did not have many good offenses during Urlacher’s time in Chicago, he anchored some great defenses. Urlacher and his defenses carried the team for many seasons.

After the 2012 season, the Chicago Bears decided not to be aggressive in re-signing Urlacher. They did make an offer, but Urlacher did not like it. Eventually, Urlacher retired. Since then, the Bears are again looking for their identity. They are in the same situation today as they were before they drafted Urlacher.

In a couple of years, Urlacher will be eligible to be considered for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and he should make it on his first try.

Next: His career was so Sweet