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The Chicago Bears' 2024 season was a disastrous one that ultimately had a positive impact on the future of the organization. The decision to bring back head coach Matt Eberflus backfired exponentially, which resulted in a 10-game losing streak, his offensive coordinator being fired less than halfway through the season and ultimately led to his own firing after a Thanksgiving meltdown in front of the entire world.
Apart from the incredible disappointment of a season, there were some standout rookie performances led by their top-10 draft picks who thrived despite the chaos around them. While Chicago had just five draft picks last year, there are some trending stars and developmental players who are looking to take the next step under new head coach Ben Johnson.
From first rounders Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze to punter Tory Taylor, let’s look back on a promising 2024 draft class and discuss their highs and lows from the past year.
It wasn't an ideal scenario for No. 1 pick Caleb Williams, who went though two head coaches, three offensive coordinators and played behind a porous offensive line that allowed a league-high 68 sacks, which makes his entire rookie campaign even more impressive. Especially when you consider he didn't miss a single game despite taking a beating. While he was far from perfect, Williams broke several rookie franchise and NFL records during a 5-12 season, where he led several game-winning drives that were halted due to poor coaching decisions. Williams completed 62.5% of his passes for 3,541 yards with 20 touchdowns and six interceptions for a 87.8 passer rating. What we saw from Williams in his rookie season is certainly the floor, and his ceiling under new head coach Ben Johnson is sky high.
Rome Odunze was the third wide receiver off the board in last year's draft, but he would've been the top guy in this 2025 draft class as evidenced by his rookie season. Odunze was the third receiver behind veterans DJ Moore and Keenan Allen, and there were times where he was being underutilized, but the ninth overall pick showed why he could be a real threat as soon as Year 2. In 17 games, Odunze had 54 catches for 734 yards and three touchdowns, where he made some impressive catches and showcased his growing chemistry with fellow first rounder Caleb Williams. Odunze figures to be one of the biggest benefactors with Ben Johnson entering the fold, and with Allen departing in free agency, Odunze's role will increase significantly in Year 2. The future's bright for a young receiver who hasn't even tapped into his potential.
Ryan Poles has struggled when it comes to selections in the third round of the NFL draft, and the jury's still out on Kiran Amegadjie, who was already at a disadvantage coming into his rookie season as he wasn't medically cleared to practice until the end of August and hadn't played football for an entire year. The Bears offensive line was among the worst in the NFL last season, and Amegadjie was thrust into action at left tackle with both Braxton Jones and Larry Borom injured, where the result was less than ideal as the rookie struggled in pass protection. In 67 pass blocking snaps, according to Pro Football Focus, he allowed one sack, seven hurries, eight pressures and five penalties. But Amegadjie showed promise in a Week 8 game against the Washington Commanders. Whether that's enough for Chicago to take a chance on him as their starting left tackle remains to be seen, especially as the Bears are sitting with the 10th overall pick.
The Bears stunned everyone when they used a fourth-round pick on punter Tory Taylor, but he proved to be one of the more reliable players on the roster. In his first season with Chicago, Taylor showcased his booming leg and how he can flip the field -- although even that wasn't enough to overcome the previous coaching staff. That's not to say his season was perfect, but he was a clear upgrade over former punter Trenton Gill. Taylor averaged 47.7 yards per punt, downed 34 punts inside the opponent's 20-yard line and his longest punt was 68 yards. The hope is Caleb Williams will finally make good on his promise and we won't see Taylor nearly as much in 2025. But when he is on the field, he'll have a chance to be the impact contributor the Bears invested in.
The Bears were quite high on Austin Booker as they made a move to trade back into the fifth round to land the young, ascending edge rusher out of Kansas. Booker had an impactful preseason, where he totaled 2.5 sacks and nine pressures in only 94 total snaps, per Pro Football Focus. While he looked prime to make an immediate impact, he served as more of a situational guy who flashed but didn't leave a lasting impact. Which was to be expected at just 21 years old. In 17 games, Booker totaled 21 tackles, three tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, four QB hits and 10 pressures in a rotational role. New defensive coordinator Dennis Allen said getting after the quarterback will be a focal point for this defense. With the new addition of Dayo Odeyingbo, and a potential edge rusher in the NFL draft, Booker will be looking to make a name for himself on this defense.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: NFL Draft: Looking back at Chicago Bears' 2024 rookie class
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Apart from the incredible disappointment of a season, there were some standout rookie performances led by their top-10 draft picks who thrived despite the chaos around them. While Chicago had just five draft picks last year, there are some trending stars and developmental players who are looking to take the next step under new head coach Ben Johnson.
From first rounders Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze to punter Tory Taylor, let’s look back on a promising 2024 draft class and discuss their highs and lows from the past year.
QB Caleb Williams (Round 1, Pick 1)
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It wasn't an ideal scenario for No. 1 pick Caleb Williams, who went though two head coaches, three offensive coordinators and played behind a porous offensive line that allowed a league-high 68 sacks, which makes his entire rookie campaign even more impressive. Especially when you consider he didn't miss a single game despite taking a beating. While he was far from perfect, Williams broke several rookie franchise and NFL records during a 5-12 season, where he led several game-winning drives that were halted due to poor coaching decisions. Williams completed 62.5% of his passes for 3,541 yards with 20 touchdowns and six interceptions for a 87.8 passer rating. What we saw from Williams in his rookie season is certainly the floor, and his ceiling under new head coach Ben Johnson is sky high.
WR Rome Odunze (Round 1, Pick 9)
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Rome Odunze was the third wide receiver off the board in last year's draft, but he would've been the top guy in this 2025 draft class as evidenced by his rookie season. Odunze was the third receiver behind veterans DJ Moore and Keenan Allen, and there were times where he was being underutilized, but the ninth overall pick showed why he could be a real threat as soon as Year 2. In 17 games, Odunze had 54 catches for 734 yards and three touchdowns, where he made some impressive catches and showcased his growing chemistry with fellow first rounder Caleb Williams. Odunze figures to be one of the biggest benefactors with Ben Johnson entering the fold, and with Allen departing in free agency, Odunze's role will increase significantly in Year 2. The future's bright for a young receiver who hasn't even tapped into his potential.
OT Kiran Amegadjie (Round 3, Pick 75)
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Ryan Poles has struggled when it comes to selections in the third round of the NFL draft, and the jury's still out on Kiran Amegadjie, who was already at a disadvantage coming into his rookie season as he wasn't medically cleared to practice until the end of August and hadn't played football for an entire year. The Bears offensive line was among the worst in the NFL last season, and Amegadjie was thrust into action at left tackle with both Braxton Jones and Larry Borom injured, where the result was less than ideal as the rookie struggled in pass protection. In 67 pass blocking snaps, according to Pro Football Focus, he allowed one sack, seven hurries, eight pressures and five penalties. But Amegadjie showed promise in a Week 8 game against the Washington Commanders. Whether that's enough for Chicago to take a chance on him as their starting left tackle remains to be seen, especially as the Bears are sitting with the 10th overall pick.
P Tory Taylor (Round 4, Pick 122)
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The Bears stunned everyone when they used a fourth-round pick on punter Tory Taylor, but he proved to be one of the more reliable players on the roster. In his first season with Chicago, Taylor showcased his booming leg and how he can flip the field -- although even that wasn't enough to overcome the previous coaching staff. That's not to say his season was perfect, but he was a clear upgrade over former punter Trenton Gill. Taylor averaged 47.7 yards per punt, downed 34 punts inside the opponent's 20-yard line and his longest punt was 68 yards. The hope is Caleb Williams will finally make good on his promise and we won't see Taylor nearly as much in 2025. But when he is on the field, he'll have a chance to be the impact contributor the Bears invested in.
EDGE Austin Booker (Round 5, Pick 144)
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The Bears were quite high on Austin Booker as they made a move to trade back into the fifth round to land the young, ascending edge rusher out of Kansas. Booker had an impactful preseason, where he totaled 2.5 sacks and nine pressures in only 94 total snaps, per Pro Football Focus. While he looked prime to make an immediate impact, he served as more of a situational guy who flashed but didn't leave a lasting impact. Which was to be expected at just 21 years old. In 17 games, Booker totaled 21 tackles, three tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, four QB hits and 10 pressures in a rotational role. New defensive coordinator Dennis Allen said getting after the quarterback will be a focal point for this defense. With the new addition of Dayo Odeyingbo, and a potential edge rusher in the NFL draft, Booker will be looking to make a name for himself on this defense.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: NFL Draft: Looking back at Chicago Bears' 2024 rookie class
Continue reading...
