Windy City Gridiron
Eight of us took part in an All-Chicago Bears Historical Fantasy Draft, and while we want you to determine who picked the best team, the real winner in this exercise is all of us who get to learn a bit more about the rich history of the Bears.
Here are the basic rules of our exercise.
We each selected 25 players in a snake draft format, with 11 picks on offense, 11 on defense, and 3 on special teams. Anyone who played for the Bears was eligible.
On offense, we were required to draft a full offensive line, a quarterback, a running back, two wide receivers, and a tight end. The 11th pick on offense could go to any skill position of the team’s choosing.
On defense, we required two defensive ends, two defensive tackles, two linebackers, two cornerbacks, and two safeties. The 11th pick could be used at any defensive position of the team’s choosing, whether it be a nickelback, a third linebacker, or an extra defensive lineman.
For the special teams, we were asked to take one kicker, one punter, and one miscellaneous contributor (returner, coverage defender, long snapper).
Each player’s skill level will be transported to the modern age. For example, a Hall of Fame offensive lineman from the 1930s, while smaller than the modern o-lineman, would still be a Hall of Fame type of talent. We also only get the player’s ability as it was when he played in Chicago. For example, Hall of Famer Orlando Pace was a phenomenal player, but his final year as a Bear wasn’t his best.
Each drafter wrote up our individual teams in the articles below, so make sure you give each one a once-over to learn about some legendary Chicago Bears. Once all the teams have been revealed, we’ll hold a tournament to determine who drafted the best team.
The Super Bowl 61 Champs (Silverstein) vs Special Bears Unit (Starman)
Evil Demons from Hell (Infante) vs Bear Essentials (Sunderbruch)
Gridiron Greats (Wiltfong) vs Chicago Monsters (Gooch)
Blue Ridge Better Bests (Orenchuk) vs Gary’s Bears (Baugher)
