Chicago Bears' savvy draft decision could make the rest of the NFL look foolish
Pro Football Focus thinks one of the Chicago Bears' late-round selections in the 2024 NFL Draft can make an "instant impact" in the NFL. On Monday, PFF pointed out numerous late-round draft picks that are poised to make an instant impact in the NFL and they included Chicago's selection of Kansas edge rusher Austin Booker. […]
Pro Football Focus thinks one of the Chicago Bears' late-round selections in the 2024 NFL Draft can make an "instant impact" in the NFL.
On Monday, PFF pointed out numerous late-round draft picks that are poised to make an instant impact in the NFL and they included Chicago's selection of Kansas edge rusher Austin Booker.
The Bears selected Booker in the fifth round of this year's draft.
From PFF: It was shocking to see Booker, ranked 88th on PFF’s big board, slide all the way to the fifth round. Yet the Bears ended his fall by trading back up to nab the Jayhawk pass-rusher at 144th overall. Booker’s baseline measurables — 6-foot-4 ½, 240 pounds and just 21 years old — make him intriguing enough, but his production was also terrific in Lawrence. Booker totaled 38 pressures and nine sacks on only 237 pass-rush snaps, adding 25 run stops.
While Booker played a measly 505 career snaps across Kansas and Minnesota, there’s little denying his potential, which could manifest in Chicago. The Bears are still seeking secondary edge rushers to play alongside star Montez Sweat, especially after ranking 32nd in team pass-rush grade last season. Don’t be shocked if Booker beats out veterans like Jacob Martin or Dominique Robinson.
Booker, an Indiana native who was a three-star recruit in the 2021 recruiting class, started his college career at Minnesota before transferring to Kansas.
During his two seasons at Minnesota, Booker saw limited playing time, recording just two tackles during his two seasons with the Gophers.
Booker, however, had a breakout season during his one year at Kansas, totaling 12 tackles for loss and eight sacks in 12 games with the Jayhawks last season.
It feels like Booker is a player that flew under the radar a bit as a draft prospect. The former Kansas standout has produced at a high level, he's only 21 years old (he won't turn 22 until December), and he's had to work hard to prove himself as a football player.
Those traits suggest that Booker should feel in perfectly with Matt Eberflus' culture. The fact that Booker grew up just three hours south of Chicago is a bonus.
The rest of the NFL missed the mark by letting Booker slide all the way to the fifth round. He may not have the hype of some of the other edge rushers in this class, but he checks all the boxes for the Bears.
It wouldn't be a shock if Booker plays a significant role in Chicago's defense this fall. If that ends up being the case, there are quite a few general managers across the league that are going to have to explain to their respective owners why they chose to pass on Austin Booker.
