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Bears Rookie Already Has Wild Confidence After First Practices

By Joseph Grassano

Feb 28, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Kansas defensive lineman Austin Booker (DL28) talks to the media at the 2024 NFL Combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 28, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Kansas defensive lineman Austin Booker (DL28) talks to the media at the 2024 NFL Combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports / Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
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It could be argued that the Chicago Bears defensive line is one of the team's weakest position groups. As the 2024 season approaches, the line features just one major threat to opposing teams: Montez Sweat. Nonetheless, the Bears are optimistic that the additions they made at defensive end this offseason will provide a much-needed boost.

One addition the Bears made to their defensive end room this offseason was drafting Austin Booker. Booker is a raw talent, only playing two college football seasons. In those two seasons, Booker played 18 total games for Kansas and Minnesota. Of the 18 games Booker played, he only had one career start. However, it seems that he has acclimated pretty quickly to the NFL.

According to a Chicago Sun-Times article Booker said, “I feel like I can compete at this level. I’m at the same level as all the other guys or better.” Booker added, "Just getting in and showing I belong and showing I can dominate at the highest level is a big thing. I think I’ve shown that at this camp."

The most impressive play fans have seen so far from Booker this camp has been hm chasing down Roschon Johnson on a screen pass.

While that may be the most noteworthy play fans have seen Booker make during training camp, he has made several other impressive plays that fans haven't witnessed. Booker himself said, “I had some great plays in rookie camp. I had some great plays in OTAs, and I feel like this [training] camp I’ve also had a lot of great plays. It’s just continually reassuring. It wasn’t one [play or moment], but I feel like I belong.”

The fact that Booker possesses this confidence already is impressive, especially since he has yet to play in any NFL games. Although he looks good in camp, it might take him time to translate his success in camp to success in a game. Hopefully, Booker's confidence in his abilities will shine through in his first game action during the Hall of Fame Game. If it does, then Booker could be on course to surprise lots of people this season.

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