NFL Draft History: What the Chicago Bears can expect from the No. 9 pick

Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles is hoping to draft another blue-chip prospect at No. 9 overall after he inevitably drafts USC quarterback Caleb Williams with the top overall selection.

Bears Talk analyzed every NFL draft from 2015 onward to analyze what type of talent the Bears can expect to be available. Here’s a look at every prospect taken at No. 9 overall since 2015.

2015 | Ereck Flowers | OT

Ereck Flowers did not develop into the starting-caliber blindside protector the New York Giants assumed he would. Flowers eventually developed into a league-average guard, though. Flowers ultimately didn’t meet the Giants’ pre-draft expectations.

2016 | Leonard Floyd | EDGE

The Bears ironically owned the No. 9 selection in 2016. They drafted Leonard Floyd, who never met expectations in Chicago. Since leaving Chicago, Floyd has totaled 39.5 sacks over his previous four seasons, reaching 10-plus sacks twice. Hopefully, the Bears will have more patience with this year’s ninth selection.

2017 | John Ross | WR

A big swing-and-a-miss by the Cincinnati Bengals here. John Ross climbed NFL big boards after running a then-NFL record 4.22 40. Poles could learn a valuable lesson from Cincinnati’s rash decision to draft Ross earlier than he deserved.

2018 | Mike McGlinchey | OT

McGlinchey was a high-quality right tackle for the San Francisco 49ers. He then signed a five-year contract worth $87.5 million with the Denver Broncos in free agency last year. McGlinchey hasn’t yet replicated his San Francisco form in Denver, but you’d chalk up this No. 9 selection as a success story.

2019 | Ed Oliver | DT

Buffalo Bills interior defensive lineman Ed Oliver isn’t an elite game-wrecker, but he’s a solid defender. Oliver did record a career-high 9.5 sacks in 2023. Perhaps he’s taking another step forward, which is a great example of exercising caution and patience with first-round choices.

2020 | C.J. Henderson | CB

Arguably the worst selection on the list. The Jacksonville Jaguars traded C.J. Henderson midway through his second season. Henderson has since played for the Carolina Panthers and Houston Texans. Busts exist at No. 9.

2021 | Patrick Surtain II | CB

Patrick Surtain II has developed into one of the best cornerbacks in the league. He is a legitimate shutdown cornerback, and the Bears would be thrilled to draft a player of his caliber.

2022 | Charles Cross | OT

Charles Cross was an immediate starter at left tackle for the Seattle Seahawks in 2022. Cross has quickly developed into a quality starter. The Seahawks addressed a huge need by drafting the former Mississippi State standout.

2023 | Jalen Carter | DT

The Eagles drafted a consensus top-three player at No. 9 a year ago because Jalen Carter allegedly had some off-field concerns. Eagles general manager Howie Roseman was thrilled with the value he received. Carter possesses an incredibly high ceiling.