The Chicago Bears have a rich and storied draft history, and in the first few years of the NFL draft they found a few players that became been real gems. Here's a look at some of the best players drafted by the Bears in the 1960s.

The Bears took Kansas quarterback Bobby Douglas with their second pick in the draft in 1969. Although Douglas wasn't a highly productive quarterback, he was fairly consistent and was a great running quarterback. He is second only to current Atlanta Falcon's quarterback Michael Vick in rushing yards by a quarterback in a single season. From 1971 to 1975, Douglas averaged 43.4 yards per game rushing (once again second only to Vick) and totaled 2040 yards over that span of time. Although he wasn't a great passer, he is one quarterback that will certainly be a big part of Bears history.

Cecil Turner, drafted in 1968 in the 5th round, played wide receiver for the Bears for six seasons. He was a Pro Bowl player in the 1970 season thanks to a record he created by returning four kickoffs for touchdowns. This record has since been broken by All-Pro return specialist Devin Hester in 2006.

While Virgil Carter may not be recognized too much in the annals of Bears history, he does have one noticeable thing about him that is interesting to point out. He was considered to be the first of many great quarterbacks drafted from Brigham Young University. The Bears would draft another quarterback from Brigham Young several years later, and he would become one of the most interesting players in Bears history. That quarterback was Jim McMahon.

There were also several colorful personalities that were brought onto the team during the 1960s that many people still talk about today. No one will ever forget Mike Ditka, the famous tight end who eventually became head coach of the Bears in the 1980s, and led them to a Super Bowl victory.

Another famous player that came to Chicago in the 1960s included defensive lineman Ed O'Bradovich, who eventually became a little bit of an actor and is now a radio show co-host on Chicago's WSCR radio station.

Other players who came onto the team in the 1960s included running back Ronnie Bull and quarterback Bill Wade, who led the Bears to the 1963 NFL Championship. Although linebacker Bill George came to the Bears in the 1950s, he did quite a job for them in 1960s. George is considered by many to be the first player representing the start of the true middle linebacker position in the NFL. George also went to eight Pro Bowls with the Bears and is known for his solid play. He was eventually elected to the hall of Fame in 1974.

Linebacker Joe Fortunato played several seasons for the Bears in the 1950s and 1960s and made it to five Pro Bowls in the process. Fortunato was one of the better players of his time and he was thought to be one of the best defensive players in team history.

There was also Stan Jones, who played offensive tackle for the Bears and went to several Pro Bowls. He also was eventually elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Johnny Morris, a running back and wide receiver for the Chicago Bears, who helped them to reach the 1963 NFL Championship and put up some good numbers, was another good player from that era.

There were other players who made a strong impact after being drafted in the 1960s. One of these players would become one of the most feared linebackers in the league and one of the most feared players ever in league history. This man was Dick Butkus. Any Bears' fan knows what kind of player Butkus was and he is still talked about a lot even today. The Bears also took a running back, Gayle Sayers, out of Kansas who would end up being one of the most productive backs in Bears history.

The draft was pretty kind to the Bears in the 1960s, but the players drafted later in the decade built the basis for what would be considered to be one of the worst times in the club's career. Still, the 1960s brought some colorful characters and great players to the Bears and these players have made big names for themselves in Chicago Bears history.