Bears select EDGE Austin Booker with 144th overall pick in 2024 NFL draft

The Chicago Bears made a trade with the Buffalo Bills to move back into the fifth round to select Kansas edge rusher Austin Booker with the 144th overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft.

Chicago traded back for their original fifth-round selection that they traded to Buffalo for offensive lineman Ryan Bates earlier this offseason. The Bears sent a 2025 fourth-rounder to the Bills to move into the fifth round this year.

The Bears finally added a defensive player to their rookie draft class with Booker, 21, who has high upside with his explosiveness, athleticism, length and pass rush talent.

According to Pro Football Focus, Booker had nine sacks, eight QB pressures and a 14.8% pass-rush win rate in 2023. He added 12 tackles for loss.

Per The Athletic’s Dane Brugler: “Although he is still figuring out how and when to access his bag of tricks, Booker instinctively uses his rangy frame to create various leverage points and surprise blockers with his forceful hands.”

Chicago’s biggest need, outside of quarterback, heading into the draft was pass rusher, and they finally addressed it on Day 3. While it certainly helps to have Pro Bowler Montez Sweat (who was acquired for the No. 40 pick), there were depth concerns behind him and DeMarcus Walker. Now, Booker has a chance, as a developmental prospect, to learn from one of the best in Sweat.