Chicago’s Number One Draft Picks: A Historical Review
The Chicago Bears have a rich history of selecting top draft picks, and the 2024 NFL draft is no exception. The Bears are expected to select USC quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams with the first overall pick. This would mark the tenth time since 1940 that a Chicago team has held the top spot in their respective draft class.
One of the most notable Chicago draft picks was Tom Harmon, who was selected by the Bears in 1940. Harmon was a legendary running back from Michigan and was considered by many to be the best player in college football that year. However, Harmon surprisingly opted to sign with Columbia Pictures instead of the Bears and starred in a film called “Harmon of Michigan.”
Another notable Bears draft pick was Oklahoma A&M halfback “Blonde Bomber” Fenimore, who was selected in 1947. Fenimore played in 10 games for the Bears during the 1947 season but was forced to sit out the next season due to back and groin injuries.
In 2007, the Chicago Blackhawks won the NHL draft lottery and selected Patrick Kane with the first overall pick. Kane has gone on to become one of the most successful players in Blackhawks history, winning three Stanley Cups and being named an All-Star three times.
In 2023, the Blackhawks once again had the first overall pick and selected Connor Bedard from the Regina Pats of the Western Hockey League. Bedard is considered to be one of the most promising young players in hockey and is expected to be a cornerstone of the Blackhawks’ future.
The Chicago Bulls have also had their share of successful draft picks. In 1999, the Bulls selected Elton Brand with the first overall pick. Brand was a standout power forward from Duke University and was named the NBA Rookie of the Year.
In 2008, the Bulls selected Derrick Rose with the first overall pick. Rose was a point guard from Memphis and was named the NBA Rookie of the Year and the youngest MVP in NBA history in 2011. However, injuries derailed Rose’s career, and he was traded to the New York Knicks in 2016.
The Chicago Cubs have also had some notable draft picks. In 1982, the Cubs selected Shawon Dunston with the first overall pick. Dunston was a shortstop from New York and was a two-time All-Star during his seven seasons with the Cubs.
In 2009, the Chicago Red Stars selected Christen Press with the first overall pick in the WPS Draft. Press is a forward from Stanford University and is a member of the United States women’s national soccer team.
The Chicago White Sox have also had their share of success with top draft picks. In 1977, the White Sox selected Harold Baines with the first overall pick. Baines was a left-handed hitter from Maryland and played 14 of his 22 seasons with the White Sox. He was a six-time All-Star and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2019.
