Twitter reacts to Bears trading up for EDGE Austin Booker

The Chicago Bears decided they weren’t done in the 2024 NFL Draft and wanted their original fifth-round pick back. The Bears traded up with the Buffalo Bills to select Kansas defensive end Austin Booker with pick No. 144. It was the same pick the Bears traded to the Bills back in March for offensive lineman Ryan Bates.

Booker was the consensus best edge defender available, and general manager Ryan Poles didn’t want to miss out on someone he valued highly. The 21-year-old defensive end transferred to Kansas from Minnesota for the 2023 season and broke out in a big way. Booker totaled 56 tackles (12 for a loss), eight sacks, and two forced fumbles with the Jayhawks. He likely would have been a much higher pick in 2025 had he gone back to school, but he lands with the Bears as a developmental defensive end who can learn from Montez Sweat.

It was always possible the Bears could move back into this year’s draft, and they did so for a good reason. Fans are thrilled with the decision to trade in for Booker.