The Chicago Bears pulled a big surprise last month when they traded back into the 2024 draft for a 5th round pick from Buffalo. With it they selected Kansas edge rusher Austin Booker, adding some much-needed depth and upside to their defensive line. The fact he draws comparisons to Maxx Crosby is certainly noteworthy. He only started one season in college but had eight sacks and 12 tackles for a loss. For somebody with his inexperience, he showed a natural feel for rushing the quarterback that is hard to ignore.
Many experts graded Booker in the 3rd round. Following last season, it was expected that he’d return for another year. It was a surprise when he declared for the draft. If he’d stayed, it was possible he would end up a top-50 pick in 2025. So, the Bears may have gotten themselves a hidden gem or a cake that needs to stay in the oven a little longer. Getting him where he needs to be requires a good plan from the coaches. Booker told Jeff Joniak on the Bears Weekly podcast that both defensive coordinator Eric Washington and defensive line coach Travis Smith haven’t wasted time drilling him hard.
That includes pointing out all of his mistakes.
Washington built a reputation as one of the best defensive line coaches in the NFL over the past decade with Carolina and Buffalo before joining the Bears. He’s worked with some of the best, including Julius Peppers, Charles Johnson, and Von Miller. If anybody understands how to turn a young player into a professional, it’s him. Don’t ignore Smith, though. He is an understudy of Rod Marinelli, who himself was a terrific defensive line coach for many years. He was with the Las Vegas Raiders when they drafted and developed Maxx Crosby and did good work with Gervon Dexter last season.
Everything necessary is in place for Austin Booker. He has two excellent coaches to guide his development and solid veterans like Montez Sweat and DeMarcus Walker to learn from. He has the ability to play at this level—nobody disputes that. Size? Length? Athleticism? He has it all. Everything comes down to how hard he’s willing to work to reach his full potential. Expand his inventory of pass rush moves, add some extra muscle, and he has the makings of a problem quarterbacks won’t like.
