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Chicago Bears: Their history in drafts with no 1st rounder

By Erik Lambert

LAKE FOREST, IL - JANUARY 09: General manager Ryan Pace of the Chicago Bears speaks to the media during an introductory press conference for new head coach Matt Nagy at Halas Hall on January 9, 2018 in Lake Forest, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
LAKE FOREST, IL - JANUARY 09: General manager Ryan Pace of the Chicago Bears speaks to the media during an introductory press conference for new head coach Matt Nagy at Halas Hall on January 9, 2018 in Lake Forest, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /
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CHAMPAIGN, IL – SEPTEMBER 8: Receiver Marcus Robinson #88 of the Chicago Bears runs after a catch against the Minnesota Vikings during their game on September 8, 2002 at Memorial Stadium at the University of Illinois in Champaign, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Vikings 27-23. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, IL – SEPTEMBER 8: Receiver Marcus Robinson #88 of the Chicago Bears runs after a catch against the Minnesota Vikings during their game on September 8, 2002 at Memorial Stadium at the University of Illinois in Champaign, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Vikings 27-23. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

1997 – Grade:  D

This was almost a good draft because of the picking of one player in particular. For the most part, the 1997 class was unremarkable. Top choice, tight end John Allred failed to make a meaningful impact in Chicago as did almost everybody else. However, for the briefest of instances, it looked like the Bears had hit a home run in the 4th round with a young receiver from South Carolina.

His name was Marcus Robinson. After missing his rookie year with a thumb injury, Robinson was sent to NFL Europe in 1998 where he dominated, winning MVP and the league title. When he returned in 1999, he exploded for 1,400 receiving yards and nine touchdowns. It looked like the Bears had a star on their hands. Tragically, multiple injuries ruined his next two years and he was never the same after that. He was gone by 2003.

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