3 Best 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. Unfortunately, the Bears have a lengthy history of drafting high-end, underperforming prospects with third-round selections.

There were still a few solid third-round picks on the Bears’ ledger, though. Here are three of their best third-round picks over the previous 15 NFL drafts.

2019 | DAVID MONTGOMERY | RB

David Montgomery is undeniably the best third-round pick the Bears have made since 2009. He played out a productive four-year contract with the Bears, totaling nearly 5,000 yards of offense and 30 touchdowns in Chicago. Montgomery signed a lucrative contract with the Detroit Lions during last year’s free agency period, but he’s still an all-time great Bears third-round pick.

2016 | JONATHAN BULLARD | DL

The Bears’ recent history of third-round selections is so abysmal that Jonathan Bullard qualifies as a victory by comparison. Bullard lasted three seasons with the Bears, totaling 62 tackles and two sacks. Bullard is an eight-year veteran who improved after leaving Chicago, having played the 2023 season with the Minnesota Vikings. The fact that he’s still in the league means the Bears didn’t totally whiff.

2011 | CHRIS CONTE | DB

Chris Conte played four productive seasons with the Chicago Bears, often serving as Lovie Smith’s starting free safety. Conte was a smart defensive back with terrific instincts. He eventually joined the Buccaneers, wrapping up a successful eight-year career in Tampa Bay.