Football is officially back! The Chicago Bears and Houston Texans will lock horns on Thursday in this year's Hall of Fame Game. The opening contest of the 2024 preseason qualifies as much-watch television.
Though Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams won't play, several ascending talents will suit up. We've identified five players worth monitoring.
Austin Booker, EDGE, Chicago Bears
The Bears are searching for pass rushers to emerge opposite Montez Sweat. A lack of depth should allow fifth-round rookie Austin Booker to capture a legitimate role on the defensive line. General manager Ryan Poles was a big Booker fan, trading a future fourth-round selection to draft him in the fifth round.
Booker combines length with an explosive first step. The former Kansas standout is capable of pushing expected starter DeMarcus Walker for playing time. Booker could start earning more reps through a quality preseason debut.
Tyler Scott, WR, Chicago Bears
Williams will have a wealth of pass-catching weapons at his disposal this season. The exciting trio of D.J. Moore, Keenan Allen, and Rome Odunze aren't expected to play on Thursday. That likely means that sophomore fourth-rounder Tyler Scott will function as Tyson Bagent's No. 1 receiver.
Scott was thrust into an unfair situation as a rookie. The former Cincinnati Bearcats wideout will spend this season mostly developing behind the scenes while learning from one of the best slot receivers of this generation in Allen. Scott has been making standout plays at training camp and he should flash that progress versus the Texans.
Kenyon Green, LG, Houston Texans
Kenyon Green has not yet met expectations as the 15th selection in the 2022 NFL Draft. Green struggled mightily as a rookie and then missed the entire 2023 season with injury. The interior blocker should play early and often throughout the preseason.
Green is being given another opportunity to establish himself as DeMeco Ryans' solution at left guard. He's positioned to start next to another young lineman in sophomore center Juice Scruggs. The Texans should afford their young blockers enough reps during the exhibition to ensure they're prepared to protect franchise quarterback C.J. Stroud.
Kamari Lassiter, CB, Houston Texans
This Texans defense appears stacked on paper. One of the few wild cards is rookie cornerback Kamari Lassiter. Lassiter was listed as the starter opposite Derek Stingley Jr. on a depth chart released by the team earlier this week.
That means Lassiter is ahead of CJ Henderson and Jeff Okudah. He's a sticky man-cover corner that should impress as an immediate contributor. This Texans secondary will be outstanding in 2024 if Lassiter meets expectations.
Keith Randolph Jr., DT, Chicago Bears
Keith Randolph Jr. was among the best 2024 prospects that went undrafted. The Bears pounced on his surprising post-draft availability by signing him to a contract that contained $220,000 in total guaranteed money. That made the ex-Illinois defender one of the highest-paid UDFAs in the entire league.
Randolph Jr. enters the preseason in a unique position. The Bears are searching for difference-makers on the interior. They're relying on improvement from sophomores Gervon Dexter Sr. and Zacch Pickens. Randolph Jr. is a UDFA who could secure a rotational role.
