Forgotten Bears DE Predicted to Make Significant ‘Leap’ in 2025

When the Chicago Bears drafted Austin Booker in the fifth round in 2024, he was considered more of a developmental project than an immediate contributor. Lean and raw, with just one full season of starting experience at Kansas, expectations were modest.

But entering Year 2, Booker’s name is coming up as a potential breakout candidate this coming season.

“When the Bears didn’t draft an edge rusher or sign someone other than Dayo Odeyingbo, that created a situation where Booker and Dominique Robinson could vie for a lot of snaps this season,” Kevin Fishbain of The Athletic wrote on July 7, adding:

“When you talk about ‘second-year leaps,’ he’s the type of player who is primed for one in a scheme that should highlight his traits. If he exits camp as the No. 3 defensive end, that would be a win for the organization. That’d be a reasonable expectation, too, considering the Bears traded away a pick to select Booker and don’t offer a ton of competition at the position.”

Booker Has Shown Flashes in Limited Opportunities

The Bears took Booker in the fifth round (144th overall) last year after he emerged as a standout defensive end at Kansas. Standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing 245 pounds, general manager Ryan Poles and company viewed him as a high-upside pass rusher with untapped potential due to his strong collegiate résumé—particularly his impressive final season at Kansas, where he earned First-Team All‑Big 12 honors and was named Big 12 Defensive Newcomer of the Year.

In 12 games with the Jayhawks, he finished with 40 total tackles (12 for loss), two forced fumbles, a pass breakup and 8.0 sacks.

During his rookie season with the Bears, Booker appeared in all 17 season games, primarily contributing on special teams. He finished with 21 total tackles, including 14 solo stops, also notching 1.5 sacks, snagging his first career sack against Panthers quarterback Bryce Young Week 5. His stat sheet also featured three tackles for loss and four quarterback hits.

With limited depth behind Montez Sweat and Odeyingbo—plus Dominique Robinson’s inconsistent availability—Booker is firmly in the mix for the primary backup edge role this coming season.

Why Chicago Bears Edge Austin Booker Should Breakout in Year 2

“Booker fits into the type of edge new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen wants in his defense with his speed and length,” The Daily Herald’s Michael Dwojak wrote on July 3.

“Allen consistently pressures quarterbacks, and the Bears should use more rotations to get fresh bodies into the game. Defensive end Dominique Robinson could contend for snaps with Booker, but Booker has a good opportunity to take a big step in his second season after Poles saw potential in his a year ago.”

Given Booker’s length, quickness and ability to disrupt, he should be a good fit in Allen’s scheme. He’s a tad lighter than Allen’s ideal, but more time in the weight room can get him into the mid-250 range.

If Booker can reliably reach the quarterback and collapse the edge, it opens up oodles of possibilities for more stunts, shifts and inside-out packages involving Sweat, Odeyingbo and potentially even interior linemen like Gervon Dexter.

Chicago still lacks a proven third edge. Booker’s ascension would not only fill that void but preserve the health and effectiveness of the team’s top pass rushing duo—especially late in games—by maintaining edge pressure across all four quarters. If he takes a step, the Bears could too.