Chalk Talk

Chalk Talk: Last time first 5 picks on offense?

May 04, 2021 at 09:04 AM

Larry Mayer

Bears Senior Writer

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.

When was the last time the Bears drafted offensive players with their first five picks like they did this year?
Ross W.
Palatine, Illinois

The last time that happened was 61 years ago when the Bears selected offensive players with their first six choices in the 1960 draft. They picked guard Roger Davis in the first round, quarterback Don Meredith in the third, halfback Billy Martin in the fourth, quarterback Dick Norman in the fifth, halfback Ed Kovac in the sixth and halfback Charlie Bivens in the seventh. The last time the Bears selected defensive players with their first five picks was in 2006 when they chose defensive backs Danieal Manning and Devin Hester in the second round—Hester switched to receiver in 2007—defensive tackle Dusty Dvoracek in the third, linebacker Jamar Williams in the fourth and defensive end Mark Anderson in the fifth.

Who were the players drafted with the picks the Bears traded to move up to take Justin Fields and Teven Jenkins in the first two rounds?
Dave C.
Homewood, Illinois

The Bears traded selections in the first and fifth rounds in this year's draft and the first and fourth rounds next year to the Giants to move up nine spots to pick quarterback Justin Fields at No. 11. The Giants chose receiver Kadarius Toney at No. 20 and dealt the No. 164 selection to the Broncos, who took safety Jamar Johnson.

The Bears then traded up 13 spots in the second round to pick Oklahoma State tackle Teven Jenkins at No. 39. They also acquired a fifth-round choice in the deal with Carolina that they spent on Missouri tackle Larry Borom at No. 151. In return, the Bears sent selections in the second, third and sixth rounds to the Panthers. Carolina dealt the No. 52 pick to the Browns, who chose linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, drafted tight end Tommy Tremble at No. 83 and took receiver Shi Smith at No. 204.

Did any of the players the Bears drafted return kicks in college?
Stan B.
Belvidere, Illinois

Yes, sixth-round running back Khalil Herbert averaged 26.9 yards on 16 kickoff returns last season for Virginia Tech, and sixth-round receiver Dazz Newsome averaged 11.1 yards with one touchdown on 48 punt returns the past three seasons at North Carolina. His TD came on a 75-yard return against Syracuse in 2018. Herbert also played on the punt return, punt coverage and onside kick recovery units at Virginia Tech. Speaking to reporters on a Zoom call after being drafted by the Bears, Herbert said: "I take a lot of pride in special teams. That's one of the biggest things we pride ourselves in at VT. Being able to help out on special teams one way or another is big. I feel like I can help in any aspect of special teams."

Chalk Talk features fan questions multiple times each week. Email your question to Larry.