The Worst NFL Drafts From All 32 Teams Since the Year 2000
By Erik Lambert
Chicago Bears – 2011
This was the draft that ended the decade-long tenure of former GM Jerry Angelo. Up until that point he’d had a pretty steady reputation, having built much of the roster that went to the Super Bowl in 2006. This marked the first year since 2008 he’d had a 1st round pick to work with thanks to his blockbuster trade for Jay Cutler two years before. Given the age of the team even at that point, it was imperative that he make good use of the picks he had, which was only five.
Needless to say he flubbed it badly. None reflected that more than his first choice. Wisconsin tackle Gabe Carimi looked like a safe bet. He came from a program known for being a factory for offensive linemen. Sadly he injured his knee two weeks into his rookie year and was never the same afterward. It was the third 1st round offensive tackle Angelo had drafted who ended up having health issues. The fact that the other picks became little more than average starters ended up getting him fired, and only hastened the demise of the team a few years later.