The Chicago Bears traded back into the 2024 NFL draft to grab Austin Booker. They knew the defense needed more pass rush help. While he’d only started one season in college, scouts felt he had the size, length, power, and athleticism to make it at the pro level. Not only that, but his skill as a rusher was far less raw than typical players with his experience. That is why they felt confident the trade was worth the risk. It doesn’t hurt that Booker seems to have a certain level of swagger about him. His self-confidence is impossible to miss whenever he speaks.
That was never more evident than during his latest press conference on Monday. Booker revealed that the Bears coaches already have him taking snaps with the starting defense, something many people didn’t expect. Yet, by many accounts, he has looked good in drills, showcasing his impressive mix of quickness and strength. It sounds like the added opportunities are only further strengthening the young man’s confidence. He stated outright that people should count him as a sleeper.
Nobody knows what’s coming.
People have wondered why the team refuses to add another veteran piece to the mix. DeMarcus Walker is more of an interior pass rusher. Jacob Martin is a rotational guy. They don’t have a definitive #2 guy opposite Montez Sweat. Perhaps they felt Booker had the potential to ascend to that role and wanted to see how he handled the first week of training camp. It appears that the decision was a good one. The rookie is flashing in almost every practice, creating chaos in the backfield.
Don’t forget this is the same regime that allowed Braxton Jones to ascend from 5th round pick to starting left tackle as a rookie. They aren’t afraid to allow young guys to prove themselves. It wouldn’t be out of character for them to make Austin Booker their starting defensive end across from Sweat. He’s already showcasing his pass rush skill. What the Bears will want to see is whether he can also handle responsibilities as a run defender. Don’t forget that Eberflus demands both from his ends. It is exciting to see this unfold.
