Chicago Bears: Top 10 draft picks in franchise history

10. Olin Kreutz, Center: Third Round, No. 64 Overall, 1998

The Bears got a steal with Olin Kreutz. Bob Hallen was the first center drafted in the1998 draft but he played for three teams over nine seasons. He played in 86 games, 47 of them starts.

On the other hand, Kreutz played 14 seasons, 13 of them with the Bears. He played in 195 games, 187 of them starts. He was a six-time Pro Bowler, a first-team and second-team All-Pro. Additionally, he was on the NFL 2000s All-Decade team.

Kreutz was an athletic intelligent player who took control of the Bears’ offensive line. His best year came in 2006 when he helped the Bears make it to the Super Bowl. That was his First-team All-Pro season.

Interestingly, Kreutz had his best seasons under offensive line coach Harry Hiestand. Now, Hiestand is on his second tour of duty with the Bears, hoping to help the careers of other linemen.

Kreutz was the epitome of an offensive lineman — he was very offensive. He was a nasty player and sometimes went a bit overboard when blocking someone. He’d want to block through the defender and put him in a crater. While the defense was known as the “Monsters of the Midway” Kreutz used that persona on offense.

He was on the nominating ballot for the Hall of Fame in 2017, but for some reason didn’t make it this year. Fans and writers alike complained to the Hall of Fame committee and got Kreutz on the ballot for 2019. That’s how much people loved Olin Kreutz.

The Bears hope that their offensive line returns to the old days. If they can, it bodes well for Mitchell Trubisky and the running game.