Top Performers from 2024 Preseason Week 1

When an NFL prospect is described as raw prior to the draft, it does not mean he’s incapable of creating an impact early in his career.

The Chicago Bears spent their fifth-round pick on Austin Booker despite the edge-defender only starting one game for the Kansas Jayhawks before being a surprise early entrant to the 2024 NFL draft.

Booker’s ability was never in question, though. He’s a 6’5″, 240-pound pass-rusher with long limbs and explosive athletic traits. During Saturday’s contest against the Buffalo Bills, all of it came together. Booker’s length, leverage and relentlessness led to 2.5 sacks, two tackles for loss and three quarterback hits.

“It was a great feeling, a rush of energy and I can’t wait to do it again,” Booker told reporters. “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.”

The first-year pass-rusher will eventually need to show he can be as effective as top blockers. But early returns are extremely promising.