Can This Former Fifth Round Pick Earn Playing Time with the Bears?
Despite taking the tie, there were plenty of positive signs from the Bears' first preseason game. One of the most noteworthy performances was by Austin Booker. Booker is a former fifth-round pick who could never get much meaningful time or performance with the Bears this past year. However, being only 22 years old, he still has plenty of time to put together his talent. The Bears hope this first preseason game was a sign of things to come for this young defensive end.
Head coach Ben Johnson used the words “just a menace” to describe Booker and his performance against the Dolphins. Anyone who watched or followed the game would certainly agree. The fact that the team gave Montez Sweat and Dayo Odeyingbo the game off allowed him the opportunity to gain plenty of playing time. Booker certainly took advantage of this as he recorded three sacks, six tackles, and one forced fumble. If he can perform even just close to this level, then certainly he can take the main backup role to Sweat and Odeyingbo. However, could the performance lead to him taking one of the starting defensive end jobs? Booker not only put this question into the heads of coaches on the team, but it has also now caught the attention of social media.
Clay Harbor had this to say about Booker and his performance, “This guy’s got so much athletic ability and talent”. Later, he then followed it up with “He might be able to crack the starting lineup”. Odeyingbo certainly has the advantage as he was just given a three-year $48 million deal this past offseason. If he begins to falter at all or does not live up to his hype, then his spot may be in trouble. A string of these strong games by Booker during the preseason may leave the Bears with no other choice than to consider what Harbor and many others are saying. Even if it is not the same level of performance, a strong camp by Booker bodes well for the Bears. Even if it is not this year, his potential means he may force the Bears to include him in their plans for this defense. Booker will most definitely be a player to keep an eye on the rest of the preseason.
