The 2024 NFL Draft Could Be Similar To The 1965 NFL Draft For The Chicago Bears

The NFL Scouting Combine wrapped up this past weekend as the Chicago Bears' offseason plans became clearer for fans and analysts. It is almost a certainty now that the Bears will trade current starting quarterback Justin Fields and use the first overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft on a prospect at the position. With the success of several players at the combine paired with the position of Chicago's other first-round selection, the team could see a similar fortune to the 1965 NFL Draft.

The Draft Projections Are Unfolding In Chicago's Favor In A Strong Way

In 1964, the Bears finished with a 5-9 record, which resulted in them having the fourth overall pick in the 1965 NFL Draft. Due to a trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1964, Chicago gave up several of their selections in that year's draft in return for the Steelers' first-round pick in 1965. With Pittsburgh finishing with an identical 5-9 record, the Bears were given the third overall selection, along with having their fourth.

The 1965 NFL Draft was a franchise-altering event for Chicago as they drafted future Hall of Fame linebacker Dick Butkus and running back Gale Sayers. Sayers and Butkus would become cornerstones of the Bears' franchise, as they are often regarded as two of the best players in NFL History. Additionally, Chicago was gifted with taking two of the best players at the most vital positions in football during the time.

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The ability to draft one player, let alone two, who are the best at their respective positions is a rarity in the NFL that may only be seen once in a generation. However, Chicago currently has that opportunity as they could draft USC quarterback Caleb Williams, who is viewed as a generational talent, along with the best wide receiver or tight end available. Due to numerous teams needing a franchise quarterback, the Bears will likely have their choice of either Marvin Harrison Jr, Malik Nabers, Rome Odunze, or Brock Bowers when they select again at nine.

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It is significant to remember which current and former NFL players the prospects are being compared to, as Williams is being compared to Patrick Mahomes, Harrison Jr to Calvin Johnson, Nabers to Justin Jefferson, Odunze to Larry Fitzgerald, and Bowers to George Kittle. These comparisons matter as the current and former players are either All-Pro level talents or are in the Hall of Fame. None of the players listed ever played with one another, but if the prospects live up to expectations, Chicago will have two players from the same draft.

The Bears Are In A Better Position Than They Were In 1965

Although the Bears landed back-to-back generational talents in the 1965 NFL Draft, selecting Butkus and Sayers, the roster surrounding the two players was not the best. Despite having three future Hall of Fame players, including tight end Mike Ditka, Chicago would only have two winning seasons over the next five seasons. Even though Sayers and Butkus were regarded as the best offensive and defensive players in the NFL in the late 60s, the Bears could never reach sustained success with the two.

To make matters worse, injuries cut short both Sayers and Butkus' careers sooner than when they should have. The legendary running back suffered several season-ending knee injuries, including ACL tears. Had Sayers played at a different time when sports medicine was more advanced, he could have overcome the knee injuries that derailed his career.

For Butkus, injuries plagued his career, but in a different way. Chicago's All-Pro linebacker was made to play through injuries as owner and head coach George Halas was hesitant on having his best player not play. Butkus, despite never suffering a season-ending injury, was hampered by several other injuries that desperately required time off that was never given to him.

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If the Bears selected Williams and one of the trio of highly touted wide receivers, they will be coming into one of the best environments rookies can enter. General manager Ryan Poles has put the roster in a position where both first-round picks will be surrounded by a near-ready playoff team. If the prospects live up to their full potential, Chicago will be in a situation to be a perennial playoff contender, if not a Super Bowl contender.

What limited Butkus and Sayers will likely not limit Williams and another first-round selection as the Bears' front office will do their best to give the prospects the best chance to succeed. The 1965 and 2024 NFL Draft could be almost identical if everything goes right beginning in a few months. Poles has positioned the Bears to see the draft success they haven't had in nearly 60 years.