Chicago Bears: 5 Biggest Draft Steals of the Super Bowl Era

The Chicago Bears aren’t strangers to the idea of pulling off heists in the NFL draft, especially in the more recent years (wink wink).

Though they’ve had their ups and downs in the Super Bowl era, it’s one that has seen them unearth some incredible gems over the years. Of all shapes, size, backgrounds and personalities. So who were the best of the best? The biggest steals they’ve pulled off in the past 50 plus years? Turns out there are a few surprises to crack this list. Not just in terms of who they are, but also where they came from and how long they played.

#5:  Shaun Gayle

Playing on a roster that was loaded with some of the most memorable characters in NFL history makes it easy to get forgotten. Still, Shaun Gayle never let that distract him. He found ways to contribute early in his career. Initially he was an outstanding presence on special teams. Everybody will remember the critical touchdown he scored in the 1985 divisional playoff against the Giants to open the scoring and getting the breaking a 0-0 tie. Most agree that was the spark that lit the fuse on that teams’ unforgettable title run.

What so many people forget is he was also a pretty good defensive back as well. It took the former 10th round pick six seasons to finally crack the starting lineup in 1989. From there he would hold the job for six more seasons. He even went to the Pro Bowl in 1991 while helping the Bears make the playoffs for the final time in the Mike Ditka era. He finished his Bears career with 15 interceptions, 11 forced fumbles and some memorable plays in the third phase.