It's obvious that the Chicago Bears, who had the worst record in the NFC North a season ago, are still in the midst of a rebuild.
Coming off a 7-10 season and holding the number-one pick in the draft, which they used to select USC quarterback Caleb Williams, there is plenty of optimism in the Windy City. But the roster still had obvious holes, including many on the defensive side of the ball.
In 2023, the Bears had just 30 sacks, the second-fewest of any team in the National Football League. They surprisingly traded for star edge rusher Montez Sweat in the middle of the season, but still lacked a consistent pass rush throughout the year.
Something needed to change for the Bears to reliably get after quarterbacks in 2024. And although they only spent a fifth-round pick on him, rookie edge rusher Austin Booker may prove to be the spark Chicago was looking for.
Though the Bears have two of the most high-profile rookies in Williams and receiver Rome Odunze, Booker is already turning heads. Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox named Booker as one of the rookies looking like "draft day steals," at this point in the preseason.
"The Bears entered the offseason needing a high-end pass-rushing complement opposite Montez Sweat," Knox said. "They may still target one of the remaining (free agents), but it's beginning to look like Booker might be able to fill the void outright."
Booker, 21, was a menace in the Bears' first preseason game against the Buffalo Bills. The 6-foot-5, 240-pounder racked up 2.5 sacks, two tackles for loss, and four solo tackles. If he keeps up that production into the regular season, he'll be on the fast track to stardom.
It's rare to find premier value with the 144th pick in the draft. Though one game is not hard evidence the University of Kansas product is destined for greatness, he's certainly making a strong first impression.
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