Austin Booker is the first rookie to appear on this list, and despite being a fifth-round pick, he projects to make a significant impact on the Chicago Bears’ defense. 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.

“His combination of length and movement skills give him a high ceiling as a pass-rusher in the NFL,” the Kansas product’s scouting report says. “…Booker also uses his long limbs well to work the offensive lineman’s hands either before or after initial contact. That’s a big reason why he’s able to win with so many pass-rush moves.”

Those pass-rush skills were apparent in the preseason, as he registered 2.5 sacks. Granted, that all came in one game, but he has won consistently over the past month. Pro Football Focus credited him with nine total pressures on just 58 opportunities.

The biggest reasons Booker fell in the draft were because he lacked experience with only one start in college and he’s a work in progress against the run. There’s no way to expedite the former, but the latter shouldn’t be too much of an issue in Chicago this fall.

With DeMarcus Walker in the starting lineup, the Bears don’t necessarily need a run defender on the edge. That said, the defense could use a second pass-rusher to complement Montez Sweat. That’s where the rookie can come off the bench and make an impact this season.

Even with the front office recently trading for Darrell Taylor, Booker still should get plenty of opportunities in the regular season according to The Athletic’s Adam Jahns.

“Booker’s development didn’t stop the Bears from trading for Darrell Taylor. But coach Matt Eberflus often says that you can never have enough pass rushers,” Jahns wrote while listing the edge-rusher as a rookie standout in training camp.

“Booker seemingly improved every day in camp. He already has several moves in his arsenal. My favorite is his spin. You saw it in the preseason. The Bears might have found a late-round gem.”