Decades since last time Bears picked first in NFL draft

While the Chicago Bears held the top overall selection in the NFL draft briefly in 2023 before a trade with the Carolina Panthers, they appear set to use the No. 1 pick for the first time in nearly eight decades ... and draft a potential franchise-altering talent in quarterback Caleb Williams.

While the Baltimore Ravens, Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks have never picked No. 1 overall, the Bears’ last No. 1 selection came before any of those franchises existed. You would have to go deep into the way-back machine to locate their No. 1 picks.

The NFL held its first draft in 1936, and five years later the Bears had the No. 1 pick. The Bears selected Michigan halfback Tom Harmon in 1941. He never played a down for the Bears. At first, Harmon wanted to bypass pro football for a career in acting. World War II put his young acting career and prospective pro football career on hold. A pilot during the conflict, Harmon survived a bomber crash and being shot down in China. He was presented with the Purple Heart and Silver Star, but his war service took a physical toll that hindered his return to pro football. Harmon signed with the Rams in 1946 and played two seasons for the team.

In 1947 the Bears held the No. 1 overall selection again and drafted Oklahoma State halfback Bob Fenimore. He had an injury-riddled 1946 season for Oklahoma State. Fenimore lasted just one season in the NFL, with 189 yards rushing, 219 yards receiving and 3 TDs.

– Jim Reineking, USA TODAY