For the Chicago Bears to move out of the NFC North’s last place and become consistent playoff contenders, they will need more than just their 2024 first-round draft picks, Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze, to step up as key players.

While fans anticipate the development of the connection between Williams and Odunze, other less-known players are also looking to secure their spots on the Bears’ roster.

One such player is defensive end Austin Booker, selected in the fifth round of the draft.

The second episode of “Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Chicago Bears” highlighted the team’s impressive 33-6 victory over the Buffalo Bills last Saturday, with Booker possibly being the standout performer.

Despite the Bears trading up in the fifth round to draft Booker (sacrificing a 2025 fourth-round pick), the former Kansas Jayhawk must have a standout August to secure a place on the final roster of 53 players.

Against the Bills, Booker, often described as “a budget version of Maxx Crosby” (the latter was a fourth-round pick in 2019), consistently pressured the quarterback, recording 2½ sacks and five pressures.

Booker wasn’t the only rookie to shine against the Bills; “Hard Knocks” also featured two running backs competing for limited roster spots:

➤ Velus Jones Jr., a wide receiver who has shifted to running back in his third NFL season, faced questions about his new position, such as “are you a running back?” when he joined the huddle against the Bills. Inspired by Percy Harvin, known for his versatility as a receiver and kick returner, Jones is vying to be a running back and return specialist for the Bears. He scored a touchdown and accumulated 34 rushing yards on six carries during the game.

➤ Ian Wheeler, an undrafted rookie from Howard who turned down med school to pursue football, showcased his talent against the Bills with two rushing touchdowns and 43 yards on five carries. Both Jones and Wheeler are hoping to earn a spot on a Bears roster that already features D’Andre Swift, Khalil Herbert, Roschon Johnson, and Travis Homer.

Here’s more on what we discovered during the second episode of “Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Chicago Bears”:

Caleb Williams impresses in preseason debut

In last week’s episode of “Hard Knocks,” Williams was seen struggling at practice, but this week he appeared to be the quarterback the Bears envisioned when they selected the 2022 Heisman Trophy winner first overall.

Even before the game, Bears executives noticed a change in Williams’ demeanor.

“He seems different today,” remarked Bears general manager Ryan Poles.

“Like he’s found his rhythm?” added Bears assistant GM Ian Cunningham. “He knows he’s in the game.”

Williams stood out during the preseason, completing 4 of 7 passes for 95 yards. His first throw was a first-down completion to receiver DJ Moore on a crucial third-and-12. One of his most notable plays was a quick shovel pass to running back D’Andre Swift, executed while under pressure.

Post-game, Williams expressed his joy about finally being back on a football field, noting that it had been over eight months since his last game at USC, where they lost 38-20 to crosstown rival UCLA (Williams skipped the Trojans’ Holiday Bowl win).

“Last time I played on a field, excluding practice, was November 18th,” Williams said. “When you go that long without playing, it’s challenging. But being back on the field has been fantastic.”

Keenan Allen vs. Jaylon Johnson

The classic “Hard Knocks” storyline of star offensive players facing off against star defensive players unfolded again, this time featuring six-time Pro Bowl receiver Keenan Allen against 2023 Pro Bowl cornerback Jaylon Johnson in practice.

Fans can watch these two elite players test each other as they sharpen their skills during training camp.

Jaylon Johnson not bothered by NFL Top 100 omission

Despite an outstanding 2023 season, Johnson did not make it onto NFL Network’s annual list of the top 100 players. The list did include five cornerbacks for 2024: Jalen Ramsey of the Miami Dolphins, DaRon Bland of the Dallas Cowboys, Sauce Gardner of the New York Jets, Patrick Surtain II of the Denver Broncos, and Tariq Woolen of the Seattle Seahawks.

“I can’t believe it. How do you make Pro Bowl and All-Pro and not be in the ‘Top 100’? I guess I could have been number 101,” Johnson said. “Aaron Rodgers didn’t even play last season, yet he gets voted in. There were clear mistakes made, not just by the media but also by players who voted.

“It is what it is. At the end of the day, I know my worth. I’m ready to show them more.”