3 Worst Chicago Bears third-round picks over the past 15 years

The Chicago Bears own the No. 75 overall selection in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft. General manager Ryan Poles possesses an opportunity to draft an instant contributor with that selection. The Bears have a lengthy history of drafting high-end and underperforming prospects with third-round selections. We identified the Bears’ three worst third-round picks over the previous 15 NFL drafts.

2022 | VELUS JONES JR. | WR

Patience is running out with 2022 third-round pick Velus Jones Jr. The former Tennessee Volunteer hasn’t developed into a contributor on offense. Jones Jr. has recorded just 11 receptions across two professional seasons. Jones Jr. has contributed on special teams as a returner, but you expect more out of a third-round pick. It’s a massive offseason for Jones Jr., who will likely enter training camp on the roster bubble.

MORE: Grading Mel Kiper Jr’s picks for the Chicago Bears in his final 2024 NFL Mock Draft

2015 | HRONISS GRASU | OL

The Bears hoped they were getting a starting-caliber interior offensive lineman when they drafted Hroniss Grasu in the third round of the 2015 NFL Draft. Grasu lasted just three seasons in Chicago and was released before the completion of his rookie contract. Grasu became an NFL journeyman, having played for multiple teams via practice squad roles through 2023.

2009 | JUAQUIN IGLESIAS | WR

Do you even remember Juaquin Iglesias? The Bears thought they were getting a dynamic receiver with their third-round selection in the 2009 NFL Draft. Iglesias was active for one contest as a rookie and was released during his second campaign in 2010. Iglesias played in the Canadian Football League (CFL) in 2013.