Grading the Bears Draft Picks: Austin Booker |
Given that the Bears had only four draft picks in the 2024 NFL draft, none of them after the fourth round, they may try to figure out a way to get back into the draft. With nine picks in next year's draft, the Bears had plenty of ammo to make things happen, and many people thought they may package a few picks together to try and trade into the second round.
That wasn't the case, as the Bears hit it out of the park with two massive first-round signings, making it much easier to stand pat and not move into the second round. As the draft continued to roll along, the Bears continued to monitor the board, and at some point, you knew a trade was coming. The trade many expected not only came, but it came in the fifth round, as the Bears did indeed trade a future pick to get back into the draft. With the pick they acquired, Chicago selected University of Kansas edge rusher Austin Booker. One of the Bears' most significant needs this offseason was finding more of a pass rush to help Montez Sweat. After failing to do that this offseason, many thought the Bears would target that in this year's draft, especially with the No. 9 overall pick. That never happened, as the Bears went offense early and continued to overlook the pass rush help this team needed. Despite not grabbing someone higher in the draft, there is still plenty of time left this offseason to land a pass rusher, which is where this team will focus going forward. Until that point, the Bears did bring in what could be a depth piece in the pass rush, as Booker was the team's final draft pick this year. Many viewed Booker as a late-day two or early-day three selection, and some had the Bears linked to him with their first-round pick. After taking punter Tory Taylor in the fourth round, Booker was still sitting there in the fifth round, which is why the Bears made the trade with the Bills to go and get him. For those unfamiliar with Booker and what he brings to the table, you are getting a player who took home First-team All-Big-12 honors in 2023 as part of an ever-improving Kansas squad. He was also the conference newcomer of the year as he transferred to Kansas from the University of Minnesota. Booker made the most of his one season at KU, racking up eight sacks and 12 tackles-for-loss in 12 games. Although that is only one year of production, those numbers would typically land you higher in the draft, so seeing him fall this far was a bit of a surprise. Knowing that, and how Ryan Poles does his business, the Bears feel they have found a diamond in the rough, and it makes a ton of sense why they traded back in to add him. While there were some knocks on him heading into the draft, many felt he was still a third-round talent, so getting that type of player in the fifth round is a steal. Take this from NFL draft analyst Lance Zierlein on his take on Booker. "Booker needs to get bigger and stronger, but that will come," he wrote. "The diversity of his rush approach is unheard of for a player with so little playing time. He can stride and dip at the top of the rush or beat tackles back inside with a Euro step or spin counter. He can stab, long-arm tackles into the pocket or stay separated from them at the point of attack. He chases quarterbacks and running backs with agility and burst but can be inconsistent dealing with a downhill running game." Listening further into that comparison, you also mention Maxx Crosby's name being dropped as a player comparison. If Booker turns out to be anything like Crosby, this defense will be scary, and the Bears will have another solid young player to build around for years to come. Grade B- Fifth-round picks are a dime a dozen in the NFL draft, as most of those players end up being special teamers if they even make the squad. Booker isn't a normal fifth-round player and has the opportunity to earn significant playing time early on. For a team that needs more pass-rushing help, Booker should give them that, even if it does come in limited action this season. It's all part of the process for a young player, but he will be given the opportunity to earn more time on the field. Austin Booker has CRAZY good tricks up his sleeve in order to get around OL. Chicago Bears DE Austin Booker (@austinbookerr) is wearing number 94. Last assigned to Rasheem Green. #DaBears pic.twitter.com/4v6NFRKQlM
His size + speed is already dangerous, imagine when he gets into an NFL weight room and diet program.#Bears might have hit a gem pic.twitter.com/gFEJhw9h0h
