Bears DE Austin Booker looks like a steal after dominant preseason action

The Chicago Bears made the decision to trade back into the 2024 NFL draft to select Kansas defensive end Austin Booker in the fifth round, and it's already looking like they got a steal.

In the Hall of Fame game, Booker made an impact. He only had one tackle, but his ability to create pressure on the Houston Texans offense was apparent. In Saturday's preseason game against the Buffalo Bills, he took it to another level.

Booker was arguably the most impactful player on either team when everyone mostly had limited playing time. He had five tackles, two tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks and three QB hits. Chicago is looking for their full-time defensive end opposite Montez Sweat, and Booker might just be the guy.

“It was a great feeling, a rush of energy and I can’t wait to do it again,” Booker said after the game, via ChicagoBears.com. “I’ve just got to watch the film to see how [I] can improve. There’s always stuff I could have done better. I probably could have had two more sacks.”

Booker has a good attitude and believes in himself. He also knows his role as a fifth-round pick trying to become an impact player in the NFL. This is someone to keep an eye on for the rest of the preseason. Now that he has a game like this under his belt, he will be hungry for more with his dream being realized clearly in front of him.

If Booker is a diamond in the rough for them, it will be another great pick made by general manager Ryan Poles at the draft. Like any other rookie, there is a lot of work to be done, but the ceiling is high. And it wouldn't be a surprise to see him have a significant impact, even as a rookie.

This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears DE Austin Booker looks like a steal after dominant preseason