Halfway through the 2024 NFL season, the Chicago Bears sit at the bottom of the NFC North with a record of 4-3. Despite being one tipped Hail Mary away from a 5-2 record, the Bears have still been successful and have a shot at a playoff appearance in 2025.
The Bears’ success is due in part to its rookies. After grading the Chicago Bears’ draft class in May, I will be revisiting the draft grades and adjusting them accordingly.
CALEB WILLIAMS: B+, Initial grade: A+
After a sloppy three-week stretch to begin the season, Bears fans faced a sorry repeat of lackluster quarterback play in Chicago. Since week 3, though, Bears fans can relax because 2024 first overall pick quarterback Caleb Williams now appears comfortable in his role as QB1.
Williams kicked off the season throwing for 93 yards with no touchdowns against the Tennessee Titans in Week 1. He followed it up by throwing two interceptions in week 2.
Williams flipped the script in the five weeks since, throwing for nine touchdowns to only 3 interceptions. He also added 1,181 passing yards in the same timeframe.
The success Williams and the Bears have had so far this season earns him a grade of B+. Although it is a full letter grade lower than his post draft grade, Williams has a bright future and was the right pick.
ROME ODUNZE: C+, Initial grade: A
Drafted ninth overall, wide receiver Rome Odunze had a sluggish start to his rookie campaign. This season, Odunze has hauled in 20 catches for 287 yards and one touchdown.
His best game came in London against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 3. Odunze shined, posting 112 receiving yards and scoring his first career touchdown.
Outside of the Week 3 masterclass, Odunze hasn’t produced at a high level. Odunze failed to surpass 41 receiving yards in every game outside of week 3.
Odunze was originally graded an A, but his lack of productivity sunk him to a C+. I gave him the benefit of the doubt, as it is still early in his career and he gleams with potential.
KIRAN AMEGADJIE: C- , Initial grade: B+
As a member of the monstrosity that is the Bears’ offensive line, offensive tackle Kiran Amegadjie was the 75th pick of the draft. Amegadjie hasn’t seen much action this season.
Amegadjie has only appeared in 4 games this season but didn’t start in any of them. In the games he has played , he hasn’t been much of a factor.
Amegadjie is part of the reason Williams has been sacked 22 times this season – tied for second in the NFL. Since the offensive line has performed so poorly with and without Amegadjie, his original grade of a B+ is now a C-.
TORY TAYLOR: A-, Initial grade: C+
With an initial grade of C+, punter Tory Taylor has exceeded my expectations. Taken 122nd overall, Taylor left the University of Iowa as the best punter in college football in 2023.
Taylor is tied for 7th in the NFL in punts landing inside the 20-yard line with 33 and 16th in the NFL in punt yards per attempt with 48.5. Taylor is also tied for the second-least touchbacks this season with only two.
Although drafting a punter in the fourth round is still a stretch, Taylor has established himself as an instrumental part of the Bears’ team. His seamless transition into the pros earns him a grade of A-.
AUSTIN BOOKER: C-, Initial grade: A
Bears defensive end Austin Booker was the 144th pick of the draft and earned an A as my post-draft grade. Booker hasn’t seen the field very much, participating in seven games without a start.
In the games he has been in, he has been relatively silent. Booker has accumulated 10 solo tackles and one sack this season, failing to appear elsewhere on the statsheet.
Booker’s best game of the season was against the Carolina Panthers in Week 6, recording 1 sack and 1 tackle. Apart from that game, Booker has failed to reach more than 2 tackles in a game.
Booker’s lack of productivity drops him to a midseason grade of C-.
