Yahoo Sports Bears' Austin Booker, Tory Taylor among overlooked rookies from preseason
The Chicago Bears 2024 draft class has the potential to be an impact one, headlined by quarterback Caleb Williams and wide receiver Rome Odunze. But there are also some underrated members of that draft class who could carve out significant roles down the line, and they've already shown flashes.
NFL.com's Bucky Brooks examined 10 overlooked rookies who showed promise during the 2024 preseason. And the Bears had not just one but two make the list: Defensive end Austin Booker and punter Tory Taylor.
Chicago actually traded back into the NFL draft to select Booker, who was still on the board in the fifth round. This preseason, Booker totaled nine tackles and 2.5 sacks in limited playing time. Booker will factor into the rotation off the edge opposite Montez Sweat, where it wouldn't be a surprise to see the rookie emerge as an impact player by season's end.
As a freak athlete with a high-revving motor and exceptional first-step quickness, Booker was viewed as a perfect match for Matt Eberflus’ scheme when the Bears traded into the fifth round to draft him in April. Booker did not disappoint with a stellar preseason that saw him register 2.5 sacks while providing persistent pressure off the edge. As he acclimates to the pro game and settles into his role as a “see ball, get ball” defender off the edge, the Bears might have discovered the perfect pass-rushing complement for Montez Sweat.
The Bears shocked everyone when they drafted a punter in the fourth round, but the team has confidence that Taylor will be a weapon for this team when it comes to flipping the field. So far, Taylor has impressed averaging 58.6 yards on five punts during the preseason, and he figures to be a big factor in field position.
The ability to flip the field with the kicking game is a top priority, especially for defensive-minded coaches. Matt Eberflus has a dangerous weapon at his disposal with Taylor handling the punting duties in the Windy City. He flashed by posting an average distance of 58.6 yards on his five preseason punts. As the fourth-round pick settles into his role as a key component of the Bears’ complementary football strategy, Taylor -- the only punter drafted this year -- could be the team’s X-factor on a playoff run.
Since general manager Ryan Poles arrived in Chicago, he's drafted some solid players to the roster who have contributed to the success of this team. And this latest rookie class figures to be no different, especially with big names like Williams and Odunze coupled with some underrated players like Booker and Taylor.
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears' Austin Booker, Tory Taylor among overlooked rookies
