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.
Which players have the Bears selected with the eighth pick in the NFL Draft?
Peter F.
Franklin Park, Illinois
The Bears have chosen six players with the eighth pick in the draft, but only one in the last 41 years. That individual was receiver David Terrell in 2001. Terrell did not live up to expectations in four seasons with the Bears, appearing in 53 games with 29 starts and catching 128 passes for 1,602 yards and nine touchdowns. The other players the Bears have taken with the eighth pick in the draft are end Les McDonald in 1937, running back Ray Evans in 1944, receiver Jim Dooley in 1952, defensive tackle Wally Chambers in 1973 and tackle Dennis Lick in 1976. Chambers was clearly the best of that bunch, earning three Pro Bowl invitations in five seasons in Chicago. The Bears are slated to pick eighth in the 2018 draft behind the 1) Browns; 2) Giants; 3) Colts; 4) Browns (via Texans); 5) Broncos; 6) Jets; and 7) Buccaneers.
How important is it to the Bears to hire a coach with previous head-coaching experience?
Dan G.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Listening to general manager Ryan Pace discuss the head-coaching search process during his post-season press conference, it didn't sound like that would be a key requirement. Here's exactly what he had to say about that issue: "I don't think that's going to be a critical factor. You can see successful coaches all around the league come from different backgrounds, so I wouldn't paint ourselves into that corner. Good coaches have a way of developing young players, and that needs to continue. They have a way of maximizing players' strengths and kind of minimizing their weaknesses, and that's what we'll be looking for."
Do you think the Bears would consider hiring a head coach from the college ranks?
Bernard F.
Savannah, Georgia
At this point, general manager Ryan Pace is not closing the door to any possibilities. So if there's a candidate at the college level, I'm sure that's someone the Bears would at least research. Here's what Ryan had to say at his press conference about the possibility of hiring a college coach: "I wouldn't rule that out. We're looking for the best candidate, and I don't want to rule anybody out."
