Just when it looked like the Bears would not address a need at defensive end in NFL Draft, they traded into the fifth round (No. 144) to take Kansas edge rusher Austin Booker.
The Bears had used up the four picks they started the draft with and appeared finished after taking Iowa punter Tory Taylor in the fourth round. But they traded a 2025 fourth-round pick to the Bills for the extra pick.
The 6-6, 245-pound Booker originally went to Minnesota out of Center Grove High School in Greenwood, Ind. and played just two seasons of college football — only six games at Minnesota in 2022 with no sacks and one tackle for loss.
He transferred to Kansas last year and had a breakout season — eight sacks, 12 tackles for loss and two forced fumbles in 10 games. Despite his limited game experience (only one start), he opted for the draft with one year of eligibility remaining.
“I feel like I was mentally and physically ready to compete at the higher level,” Booker said. “But also it’s good to strike while the iron’s hot. [You] never know what’s going to happen next year and I felt like I was ready so I left.”
A defensive end was a position-of-need for the Bears, but it remains to be seen what kind of opportunity the 21-year-old Booker will have to compete for playing time, because he’s relatively raw.
“The main thing is going to be his upside,” Bears scout John Syty said. “This kid fits a lot of metrics of what you look for in pass rushers: the length, the athleticism, the ability to win multiple ways as a rusher.
“So for us, it’s just getting him into the system, developing him, allowing him to continue to grow into his frame.”
Booker is all-in on that.
“I’m 21, so I know I have a lot of year ahead of me to get stronger, get faster, so just looking to keep growing in the NFL.
“I’ve got speed. I’ve got length. I’ve got strength and being able to use all those at once is a gift that I have. I’m gonna use it at the next level.”
