The Jets sent Chicago picks 13, 22 and 116 in the 2003 draft…
The Jets sent Chicago picks 13, 22 and 116 in the 2003 draft to move up to No. 4 for defensive tackle Dewayne Robertson. Robertson became a multi-year starter in New York but never reached the dominant level expected from such an expensive move. Chicago used No. 22 on Rex Grossman and No. 116 on Ian Scott, while also moving No. 13 for additional value. The Bears’ broader return wins.
Chicago Bears Received
- pick 2003 1st round pick (13th overall; traded to New England for pick 14 and pick 193)
- pick 2003 1st round pick (22nd overall, Rex Grossman)
- pick 2003 4th round pick (116th overall, Ian Scott)
New York Jets Received
- pick 2003 1st round pick (4th overall, Dewayne Robertson)
Trade Analysis
Why the Trade Happened
New York entered the 2003 draft determined to add an impact defensive tackle and moved aggressively for Kentucky’s Dewayne Robertson. The Jets sent Chicago the 13th and 22nd overall picks plus No. 116 to reach No. 4. The Bears preferred volume and flexibility, while the Jets concentrated three valuable selections into one premium prospect.
What the Jets Received
Robertson started immediately and remained a regular in New York for five seasons. He was a legitimate NFL starter, so this was not a complete miss. The problem was the acquisition cost. A trade package containing two first-rounders and a fourth creates expectations of Pro Bowl-level impact, and Robertson never became the disruptive centerpiece the Jets envisioned.
How Chicago Used the Capital
The Bears selected quarterback Rex Grossman at No. 22 and defensive tackle Ian Scott at No. 116. They also traded pick No. 13 to New England for No. 14 and a sixth-round choice. Grossman’s Chicago career was inconsistent and injury-filled, but he started throughout the 2006 season when the Bears won the NFC championship and reached the Super Bowl. The total return gave Chicago several avenues to extract value instead of relying on one player.
Why This Trade Still Matters
This transaction demonstrates the risk of an expensive move into the top five. Robertson had a respectable career, yet respectable was not enough to justify the premium New York paid. Chicago did not maximize every acquired asset, but the breadth of its return provided more team value.
Final Verdict
Chicago Bears Win. Chicago earns a B+ for turning one pick into multiple meaningful assets, including its future Super Bowl starting quarterback. New York earns a C because Robertson was a durable starter but fell short of the impact required by the price.