The 2024 NFL Draft was won and lost, across the league, for many reasons. The Chicago Bears, in particular, were overwhelming winners.
It was hard not to walk away as winners, if you were Ryan Poles and the Bears, all things considered. Owning the no. 1 overall pick made it difficult not to come away feeling victorious.
The Bears made just five picks, after entering the draft with only four selections, but the majority of them have an opportunity to become stars.
The Bears' 2024 draft class isn't huge, but has star potential
Let's take a look at three guys from this class, in particular, which could wind up being stars for the Bears.
Austin Booker was a tremendous value and can make an immediate impact
For those who may not know, the Bears were able to land a third-round talent in the fifth round when they traded back into the draft and snagged Kansas pass rusher Austin Booker. Maybe the biggest reason he fell is due to a lack of experience, having played just 505 collegiate snaps.
However, Booker's overall frame, length and athleticism jumps off the screen. He has a massive wingspan and already knows how to rush the passer with a wide variety of moves. He already looks the part, despite not having a whole lot of experience at this stage. His frame has plenty of room to add healthy weight and muscle, and that will come.
Booker is a natural when it comes to getting into the back field. His raw speed and tenacity are hard for opposing linemen to match. Some NFL experts out there, such as Lance Zierlein of NFL Media, compare him to Maxx Crosby. If the Bears just stole a Crosby-level talent in the fifth round, look out. He may be exactly what this defense needed.