Chicago Bears: 5 Players who could open eyes and succeed during training camp

Austin Booker, Defensive End

It is well-documented that the Chicago Bears need a pass rusher. The last few years they had a difficult time going after the quarterback. Poles helped the pass rush by trading for Montez Sweat before last season’s deadline. However, there is still a need on the other side.

We saw how the Green Bay Packers created the blueprint to neutralize Sweat. In last season’s regular-season finale, they sent a small village of players at Sweat to slow his path to the quarterback. Without anyone on the other side to make them pay for it Packers quarterback Jordan Love carved the Chicago Bears’ secondary.

In the draft, Poles made a surprise move. After using his final pick in the fourth round, he traded back into the draft to select Austin Booker in the fifth round. He wasn’t exactly the level of pass rusher many expected the Bears to go after. However, it could be a very big pickup.

Booker is an interesting case. After playing just six games for the Minnesota Gophers in 2022, he transferred to the Kansas Jayhawks. In 2023, he played in 12 games. Then he decided to go pro after just 18 games and 508 total snaps. A lot of teams would shy away from such an inexperienced prospect.

When looking at his tape, though, Booker was very impressive. He did not look like an inexperienced player. He showed great athleticism and a variety of moves that made him look like a future first-round player. In fact, he led the Jayhawks in tackles for loss (12) and sacks (8) despite being a reserve.

An injury cost Booker to miss the end of minicamp but he was impressive during his time at practice. He had a few reps with the starters and held his own. Against the second team, however, he shined. He was making plays and giving everyone in front of him a difficult time.

It will be interesting to see Booker at full speed. Will he show that he is too much for the backup blockers? If so, will he also show that he is ready for the starting-caliber players? While many feel confident about Booker down the road, he could make a big impression sooner.

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