WCG’s lead draft analyst breaks down the Bears’ newest edge rusher.
With the No. 144 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears have selected Kansas edge rusher Austin Booker.
The Bears traded up into Round 5 to acquire Booker, giving up a 2025 fourth-round pick to get back the fifth-round pick they traded to the Bills for offensive lineman Ryan Bates. Booker broke out in 2023, tallying 8.0 sacks and 12.0 tackles for a loss and being named a first-team All-Big 12 player.
A backup at Minnesota in 2021 and 2022, Booker transferred to Kansas and made a name for himself against top competition. He was awarded the Big 12 Defensive Newcomer of the Year Award for his standout campaign. Given the Bears’ glaring need at edge rusher opposite Montez Sweat, Booker figures to be a long-term option who could develop into that starting role.
I took to the tape to break down Chicago’s newest pass rusher.
THREAD: The #Bears got a toolsy pass rusher with a very high ceiling in Kansas EDGE Austin Booker.
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) April 27, 2024
Booker has good raw length and power, and he uses it well.
He does a good job of locking out blockers from his frame and excels at stacking and shedding in the run game. #Bears pic.twitter.com/clmjBYJvnN
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) April 27, 2024
Booker took a huge step in 2023, breaking out for 8 sacks and 12 TFL.
He utilizes push-pulls, swims and long arms well as a pass rusher. He also has a high motor chasing down the QB. #Bears pic.twitter.com/6K2XUq3aPU
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) April 27, 2024
When Booker tackles in space, he has a large tackling radius to work with.
His quickness, length and motor allows him to make tackles in the run game in the open field. #Bears pic.twitter.com/bg85TdwoHe
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) April 27, 2024
Booker converts speed to power well, using his long arms, strong anchor and impressive drive in his anchor to push the pocket.
The effort he shows getting to the passer is tremendous, and surely Matt Eberflus will fall in love with that. #Bears pic.twitter.com/AU9OAtA6h4
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) April 27, 2024
Here’s Austin Booker’s RAS grade. He’s light but lengthy, quick off the ball and explosive in his lower half.
He had an 82.2 PFF grade with an 88.2 pass-rush grade on true pass sets.
His 10.2% runs top rate and 14.8% pass-rush win rate were among the best in the class. #Bears pic.twitter.com/nvRFrmHRAe
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) April 27, 2024
Austin Booker is someone who could’ve been an early-round pick if he stayed in school for another year.
The #Bears look to take advantage of that with a rotational role for him in 2024. Impressive tools, busts his ass off and fills a big need. Love this pick.
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) April 27, 2024
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