BEST BEARS NOT IN THE PRO FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME

1. Jimbo Covert, LT

Only played eight seasons, but they were eight elite seasons as the anchor of teams that placed in the top three in rushing seven times. Only first-team player on the NFL 1980s All-Decade Team who’s not in the Hall of Fame.

2. Steve McMichael, DT Even as a heart-andsoul guy, Mongo was overshadowed by Dan Hampton and others on the Ditka-era Bears teams. But he has numbers, too — he’s a defensive tackle with 96.5 career sacks.

3. Jay Hilgenberg, C

An undrafted free agent who went to seven Pro Bowls and was a four-time All-Pro. Missed two games in 11 seasons. The Bears were at their best when he was at his best.

4. Devin Hester, KR The most prolific kick returner in NFL history by a mile, Hester returned 21 kicks for touchdowns, including 13 his first two seasons.

5. Joe Fortunato, LB

Overshadowed in the pantheon of great Bears linebackers, Fortunato was an All-Pro five times. Had 16 interceptions and 22 fumble recoveries. Made the NFL 1950s AllDecade Team.

6. Lance Briggs, LB

A tackle machine with a knack for key plays, Briggs made seven consecutive Pro Bowl as a 4-3 outside linebacker and should have had an eighth selection in 2012.

7. Rick Casares, FB

Made the Pro Bowl in his first five seasons, scoring 40 touchdowns. Led the NFL in rushing in 1956 with 1,126 yards — 20 off the league record — and 12 touchdowns.

8. Charles Tillman, CB

Known for the “Peanut Punch” that led to many of his 44 fumble recoveries, Tillman also was an outstanding cover corner, with 140 career pass-breakups.

9. Olin Kreutz, C

A six-time Pro Bowl player who was behind only Hall of Famer Kevin Mawae on the NFL 2000’s All-Decade team. Missed one game in his last 10 seasons with the Bears.

10. Gary Fencik, S

A Dolphins castoff in 1976, Fencik broke Dick Butkus’ Bears record for takeaways with 51 and Richie Petitbon’s record for interceptions with 38.