The Chicago Bears are without a first-round pick for the second straight season, but they do own a pair of second round picks at No. 43 and No. 50.
When considering the previous players that have been taken at 50th overall, there are some encouraging picks but more that didn’t exactly pan out.
Let’s take a look at the last 10 picks at No. 50.
2019: TE Irv Smith Jr., Vikings
Following a solid preseason, rookie Irv Smith Jr. was gradually worked into Minnesota’s offense. In 2019, Smith had 36 receptions for 311 yards and two touchdowns, which was more than any Bears tight end last season. The Vikings already have a really good tight end in Kyle Rudolph, so there hasn’t really been a rush with Smith. But with the loss of Stefan Diggs, Smith is expected to get more opportunities in Minnesota’s offense in 2020.
2018: OG Connor Williams, Cowboys
While it’s still early, Williams hasn’t exactly wowed in his first two seasons with the Cowboys. Williams bulked up ahead of his second season, but it was more of the same. Williams’ season was cut short after he suffered an ACL tear, and he only played in 11 games. With Travis Frederick’s retirement, the Cowboys are relying on Williams to right the ship.
2017: S Justin Evans, Buccaneers
In his first three seasons, Evans has shown flashes of potential when he’s been on the field. But that’s the problem. The Bucs don’t really know what they’ve got in Evans, who has missed significant time dealing with injuries over his first three seasons. Evans missed the 2019 season, and he’s tallied 125 tackles combined, eight passes defensed and four interceptions over his three seasons with Tampa Bay.
2016: OG Nick Martin, Texans
While Martin’s rookie season was marred by an ankle injury, he’s since proven to be a reliable center for the Texans in front of quarterback Deshaun Watson. Martin signed a three-year $33 million extension with the Texans in 2019, which is a good sign that the Texans believe he’ll continue to better his play in the coming seasons.
2015: CB Ronald Darby, Bills
Darby had an impressive rookie season with the Bills, where he flashed his potential as a productive cornerback. He was traded to the Eagles in 2017, where he found success during the time he was on the field. But Darby certainly has a lot to prove after three straight injury-riddled seasons with the Eagles. He recently signed a one-year prove-it deal with the Redskins, where he’s looking for a fresh start.
2014: OLB Jeremiah Attaochu, Chargers
Since entering the NFL in 2014, Attaochu hasn’t panned out as a starter at outside linebacker. After four years with the Chargers, where his production and playing time declined, he joined the Jets in 2018 before landing with the Broncos in 2019. Attaochu became a key reserve at outside linebacker for the Broncos, and he recently signed a one-year extension to remain in Denver through 2020.
2013: ILB Jon Bostic, Bears
Bostic’s tenure with the Bears was short-lived, but his two years in Chicago were ultimately a disappointment. After the Bears traded Bostic to the Patriots in 2015, he’s bounced around over the past four years. Bostic had a career year with the Redskins in 2019, where he logged a career-best 105 combined tackles, a sack, his second career interception and two passes defensed. Bostic recently signed a two-year extension with the Redskins.
2012: RB Isaiah Pead, Rams
Pead was a huge disappointment for the Rams. He was waived in the final year of his four-year deal with the Rams, and he also spent a short time with the Steelers and Dolphins. In his five-year career, Pead totaled 27 carries for 100 yards with zero touchdowns. Pead lost his left leg in a single-car accident in 2017, which marked the end of his NFL career.
2011: S Marcus Gilchrist, Chargers
Gilchrist has bounced around the league since being drafted by the Chargers in 2011, where he’s also spent time with the Jets, Texans, Raiders, Jaguars and most recently the Lions. Gilchrist hasn’t exactly lived up to expectations, and he’s currently a free agent.
2010: CB Javier Arenas, Chiefs
Arenas ultimately was a disappointment during his five-year stint in the NFL. Arenas played three seasons with the Chiefs, as well as one with the Cardinals and one with the Falcons before he was out of the league. In 2017, Arenas joined the Ottawa Redbacks in the Canadian Football League.
