Bears late-round rookie named top-6 breakout candidate among all positions

The Chicago Bears could be the breakout team of the 2024 season.

Everyone knows about the offense. It's Caleb Williams' show now, as the rookie quarterback will take the field with a revamped receiving core in year one as a starter. But the defense could be even more electric.

Though they didn't rank near the top of any major statistical categories in 2023, Chicago's defense got better as the year went along. They have a young, talented secondary and a deep linebacking core with a lot of versatility. Then, they may have just added a secret weapon in the late rounds of the draft.

Fifth-round pick Austin Booker has impressed at defensive end in the preseason, garnering recognition from Bleacher Report's Matt Holder. Holder named Booker as one of his top six breakout candidates across the league entering the 2024 season.

"It wouldn't be surprising to see Booker outplay his draft status in Year 1, especially since he was given a third-round grade by B/R's scouting department," Holder said. "Despite being a fifth-round pick, he projects to make a significant impact on the Chicago Bears' defense."

Booker, 21, made just one start in his three-year college career at Minnesota and Kansas. The lack of experience likely made him available to Chicago with the 144th pick in this year's draft. If he lives up to his preseason billing, Booker could be the steal of the draft.

At 6-foot-6, 245 pounds, and with a long wingspan, Booker has the combination of size and athleticism teams dream about adding to their pass rush. He reportedly needs work against the run, but likely won't be asked to defend in rushing situations too often as a rookie.

In the Bears' second preseason game against the Buffalo Bills, who traded the Bears the pick they used to select Booker, the rookie registered 2.5 sacks, showing a glimpse of the game-wrecker he may well become soon.

With so little high-level football experience, Booker obviously still has a lot left to prove. But he has the tools to be special, and he's in the right place to make that happen for himself. Now, he has to go out and make it happen in year one.

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