Austin Booker, a fifth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, signs a rookie contract with the Chicago Bears.
Austin Booker, a fifth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, signs a rookie contract with the Chicago Bears.
The third player in the five-person 2024 NFL Draft class has been signed by the Chicago Bears.
Austin Booker, a Kansas pass rusher and fifth-round selection, signed a rookie contract with the Bears on Thursday, the organization said.
According to the Chicago Bears team website, Booker has a four-year contract.
Last month, Booker was selected with the 144th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. In order to reenter the draft and choose Booker, the Bears made a deal with the Buffalo Bills.
Coincidentally, in February, the Bears acquired offensive lineman Ryan Bates from the Buffalo Bills by trading the 144th selection. They sent Buffalo a fourth-round pick in the NFL Draft in 2025.
Currently, the only unsigned rookies in the 2024 NFL Draft class are Rome Odunze and Caleb Williams.
It was thought that Booker would have been selected on Day 2 or even in the first round if he had stayed in college for one additional season.
Booker demonstrated his potential last weekend at the Bears’ rookie minicamp by utilizing his physical attributes.
“It’s been a great opportunity, I just continue to learn,” Booker stated.
Before the pads are used for real, Booker stated he wants to improve his get off speed and pad level.
The fact that Booker is already connected to the NFL is helpful. And a tie to the Pro Bowl.
Javon Gopie, the trainer for edge rusher Maxx Crosby of the Las Vegas Raiders, is also working with him. He put the three-time Pro Bowl edge rusher and Booker in contact.
Booker remarked, “He just connected us.” “He called me following my draft selection to let me know that I could get in touch with him if I had any questions or concerns about anything of that nature. His ability to compete at a high level clearly indicates that he has an excellent procedure in place. It has truly been wonderful to have that resource.”
Booker’s potential was also mentioned by Bears defensive coordinator Eric Washington.
In addition to knowing the scheme and system, he stated that consistency is also a prerequisite for Booker to receive early playing time.
“When he has to physically go against one of our offensive linemen or anybody that we have out there, I want to see him win,” Washington stated. “I want to see his confidence start to grow and that’s part of my responsibility to make sure that he understands that process, and that I’m giving him the right feedback, if there’s one great thing, he’s going to know about that great thing so we can multiply that.”
Although Booker is aware that he is viewed as a “raw” prospect, the Bears have previously had success with rookie defensive ends. In 2006, Mark Anderson was a rookie and finished behind Alex Brown and Adewale Ogunleye in sack totals for the Bears, who advanced to the Super Bowl XLI.
Similarly, Booker can support players like Austin Billings, Demarcus Walker, and Montez Sweat.
“Just trying to be the best defensive end I can be,” Booker stated.
