There was a clear approach for the Chicago Bears during the 2024 NFL Draft: prioritize offensive players. With limited draft capital, they had to make the most out of every draft pick. However, the Bears took a gamble, trading next year’s fourth-round pick and moving back in the fifth round to select Kansas pass rusher Austin Booker. As the only defensive player taken by the Bears, all eyes were on him during the preseason—and to say he delivered would be an understatement.
Bears’ Rookie Austin Booker Making His Mark
Shining During the Preseason
Austin Booker didn’t take long to show he’s more than just a project-type player. He’s incorporated a mixture of pass-rush moves, including spin moves, long-arm swipes, hesitation moves, and an impressive bull rush, especially for someone weighing just 245 pounds. His ability to convert speed to power was on full display, as he was in the backfield more times than not. Booker finished the preseason leading the team with nine pressures and 2.5 sacks. While he possesses the physical tools and skills to become a dominant pass rusher, he’ll need to add some weight and continue refining his game.
It was only the preseason, and Booker played primarily against second and third-string offenses. But that doesn’t cancel out his impressive performance. Most of these guys were the best players on their college teams and had years of experience playing in the NFL. For a 21-year-old rookie, Booker’s dominant preseason showing is all the more impressive.
Austin Booker was the steal of the 2024 NFL Draft pic.twitter.com/3p6nJQchbV
— Chicago Football Connection (@CFCBears) August 25, 2024
Proving Measureables Aren’t Everything
Players are often overlooked due to poor testing numbers, and Austin Booker was no exception. He posted a 4.79 40-yard dash and 32.5-inch vertical jump, ranking 19th among pass rushers, which isn’t great. However, his on-field performance is what truly matters, and the Bears recognized his potential. Booker has nearly every pass-rush move in his arsenal and could have been a much higher pick if he stayed in college another year. Yet, he was drafted in the fifth round and quickly established himself as a contributor on the defensive line.
With all the talk that the Bears were looking to add someone opposite Pro Bowler Montez Sweat, it appears they no longer need to worry. Booker is and will be a force at defensive end for the Bears for a long time. Even Sweat acknowledged this, stating, “He’s just a tremendous talent; really light years ahead of where a rookie should be. I’m excited for the year and what he brings to the table.”
Austin Booker having Montez Sweat as a mentor is going to work wonders for his career.
He’s going to learn so much from him. 👀 pic.twitter.com/mO90jGCPP1
— Bearsszn (@bearssznn) August 21, 2024
Outlook for the 2024-25 Season
Austin Booker finds himself in an intriguing situation. As a rookie, he’ll have the chance to see plenty of action early on, but he’ll also be rotating with veterans like DeMarcus Walker and Darrell Taylor. He’ll also be surrounded by a bunch of proven veterans on defense, which would alleviate pressure on him. However, the most compelling part of Booker’s rookie season will be how he performs against some of the NFL’s top offensive tackles. He’ll face players like Laremy Tunsil, Braden Smith, Christian Darrisaw, Penei Sewell, and Trent Williams. If Booker learns and grows from these matchups, the sky’s the limit.
Main Image: Kamil Krzaczynski – USA Today Sports
