The Chicago Bears have already named two first-round rookies as starters for the upcoming season, but they may not be the only ones.
The Chicago Bears have already named two first-round rookies as starters for the upcoming season, but they may not be the only ones.
Shortly after the NFL draft, head coach Matt Eberflus designated quarterback and No. 1 pick Caleb Williams the starter, but ESPN listed 9th overall pick Rome Odunze as the team's third starting wide receiver –
A role he plainly stands to lose. Punter Tory Taylor, the finest player at his position in the NCAA last season and a fourth-round pick by Chicago, is also a good bet to start on special teams.
And while the Bears drafted defensive end Austin Booker in the fifth round as a long-term project,
he has a chance to push starter DeMarcus Walker for his job in one of the potentially more exciting position battles during training camp.
On Monday, June 3, Jacob Infante of Windy City Gridiron argued that the fight for the second starting DE slot opposite Montez Sweat is one of the four most important position battles on the roster this summer.
Walker, at his best, has been a useful starting EDGE, but he was not last year. He will have the opportunity to carve out a vital role for himself.
Booker, whom the Bears acquired in Round 5 of this year's draft for a 2025 fourth-round pick, is currently Walker's major rival. He's a toolsy,
long edge rusher with a quick first step and a powerful motor. The problem with Booker is that he is a raw processor and does not always have the best pass rush strategy,
which may limit his instant value in Year 1. Booker has the tools to be an NFL starter, but he may face a learning curve that precludes him from doing so straight away.