The last year the Chicago Bears drafted a quarterback in the first round? It was 2003. Last year they drafted a quarterback in the top five? It was 1982. Three of the four quarterbacks they’ve taken in the first round over that stretch of time led them to at least one playoff berth. Yet for some reason fans seem convinced that the team doesn’t need to go that route in 2017.
Based on what evidence exactly? The not-so-spotless track record this organization has signing free agents or making trades at that position? Put it this way. Since the start of the Super Bowl era, the Bears have made the playoffs 14 times. Of those 14, just four of them were led by quarterbacks who weren’t drafted by the team.
- Jay Cutler – 2010
- Jim Miller – 2001
- Steve Walsh – 1994
- Mike Phipps – 1979
Chicago has exactly one championship in its entire history with a quarterback they didn’t draft. That was Bill Wade in 1963. So what is making people think anything will change now if the Bears once again decide to forego drafting one. With the highest pick they’ve held in 45 years, no less? Maybe some sobering numbers might wake them up to reality.
