Wondering about a player, a past game or another issue involving the Bears? Senior writer Larry Mayer answers a variety of email questions from fans on ChicagoBears.com.
Who have been the last 10 players selected with the 20th pick in the first round of the draft?
Roger T.
Rockford, Illinois
The last 10 players chosen with the 20th pick that the Bears own this year have been receiver Kendall Wright (Titans 2012), defensive end Adrian Clayborn (Buccaneers 2011), cornerback Kareem Jackson (Texans 2010), tight end Brandon Pettigrew (Lions 2009), cornerback Aqib Talib (Buccaneers 2008), cornerback Aaron Ross (Giants 2007), defensive end Tamba Hali (Chiefs 2006), defensive end Marcus Spears (Cowboys 2005), defensive end Kenechi Udeze (Vikings 2004) and offensive tackle George Foster (Broncos 2003). NFL.com recently ranked Hall of Fame defensive end Jack Youngblood as the best No. 20 pick in the draft since 1970. A seven-time Pro Bowler, Youngblood was selected by the Los Angeles Rams in 1971. The only player the Bears have ever drafted at No. 20 is defensive end Dave Gallagher in 1974.
How many players have the Bears drafted with a top-20 pick the last several years, and how have they fared?
Paul A.
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
The Bears have drafted 15 players with a top-20 pick since 1985. Brian Urlacher (ninth in 2000) is a future Hall of Famer; Donnell Woolford (11th in 1989), Mark Carrier (sixth in 1990) and Tommie Harris (14th in 2004) were voted to a combined seven Pro Bowls; Trace Armstrong (12th in 1989), Curtis Conway (seventh in 1993) and Walt Harris (13th in 1996) were all solid pros; and I think it's fair to say that John Thierry (11th in 1995), Curtis Enis (fifth in 1998), Cade McNown (12th in 1999), David Terrell (eighth in 2001), Michael Haynes (14th in 2003), Cedric Benson (fourth in 2005) and Chris Williams (14th in 2008) did not perform up to expectations. The jury is still out on Shea McClellin, who was selected with the 19th pick in last year's draft.
Who do you think has been the Bears' best draft pick in the fourth round or later over the last decade?
Jill P.
Buffalo Grove, Illinois
The Bears have done an excellent job of harvesting talent in the fourth round or later the last 10 years. Four of those picks have been voted to the Pro Bowl: Nathan Vasher (fourth round in 2003), Corey Graham (fifth round in 2007), Henry Melton (fourth round in 2009) and Johnny Knox (fifth round in 2009). Other key contributors have been Bobby Wade (fifth round in 2003), Justin Gage (fifth round in 2003), Chris Harris (sixth round in 2005), Mark Anderson (fifth round in 2006), Craig Steltz (fourth round in 2008), Zack Bowman (fifth round in 2008), Corey Wootton (fourth round in 2010) and J'Marcus Webb (seventh round in 2010). If I had to pick one player, I'd probably go with Vasher, who had 19 interceptions in six seasons with the Bears.
