Wondering about a player, a past game or another issue involving the Bears? Senior writer Larry Mayer answers a variety of questions from fans on ChicagoBears.com.
How frequently have the top picks in the draft been traded and what have those deals yielded? Just trying to get a feel for what the Bears might get if they decide to move down from No. 1 this year.
Ronald D.
Pennsylvania
There have been five trades involving top three picks in the past seven drafts. Here's a summary of those deals, beginning with the most recent.
2021
The Dolphins traded down from No. 3 to No. 12 with the 49ers, who chose quarterback Trey Lance at No. 3.
In addition to the 12th selection, Miami received 2022 first- and third-round picks and a 2023 first-round choice from San Francisco.
2018
The Colts traded down from No. 3 to No. 6 with the Jets, who selected quarterback Sam Darnold at No. 3.
In addition to the No. 6 pick, Indianapolis received two 2018 second-round choices and a 2019 second-round selection from the Jets.
2017
The 49ers traded down from No. 2 to No. 3 with the Bears, who picked quarterback Mitchell Trubisky at No. 2.
In addition to the No. 3 choice, San Francisco received 2017 third- and fourth-round selections and a 2018 third-round pick from the Bears.
2016
The Titans traded down from No. 1 to No. 15 to the Rams, who chose quarterback Jared Goff at No. 1.
In addition to the No. 15 selection, Tennessee received two 2016 second-round picks, a 2016 third round choice, and 2017 first- and third-round selections.
In addition to the No. 1 pick, the Rams received 2016 fourth-and sixth-round picks.
2016
The Browns traded down from No. 2 to No. 8 with the Eagles, who chose quarterback Carson Wentz at No. 2.
In addition to the No. 8 selection, Cleveland received 2016 third- and fourth-round picks, a 2017 first-round choice and a 2018 second-round selection. The Browns also sent a conditional 2017 fifth-round pick to the Eagles in the deal.
I read that the Bears will have the first pick in the draft for the first time since 1947. Are there any NFL teams that have never selected first overall?
Evan G.
Raleigh, North Carolina
Since the Bears drafted running back Bob Fenimore first overall in 1947, all but three of the NFL's current 32 teams have selected a player at No. 1. The only three clubs who have not are the Broncos, Seahawks and Ravens. The Broncos joined the NFL as part of the merger with the AFL in 1970, while the Seahawks and Ravens were expansion teams that began play in 1976 and 1996, respectively. During the Super Bowl era, the Colts have had the most No. 1 picks with six.
Where do the Bears rank in strength of schedule for 2023?
Edward W.
Muskegon, Michigan
Based on opponent winning percentage in 2022, the Bears are tied with the Vikings for the NFL's 18th most difficult schedule in 2023, with their opponents having a .497 winning percentage (143-145-1). Next season the Bears are slated to host the Lions (9-8), Packers (8-9), Vikings (13-4), Falcons (7-10), Panthers (7-10), Broncos (5-12), Raiders (6-11) and Cardinals (4-13); and visit the Lions (9-8), Packers (8-9), Vikings (13-4), Chiefs (14-3), Chargers (10-7), Saints (7-10), Buccaneers (8-9), Commanders (8-8-1) and Browns (7-10).
