There isn't a defender in the NFL who is having a better preseason performance than Chicago Bears defender Austin Booker.
Starting with the Miami Dolphins' 24-24 tie, Booker exploded with six tackles, four quarterback hits, three tackles for loss, and three sacks. He added to his impressive preseason stats with two tackles, one sack, one tackle for loss, one quarterback hit, and one pass deflection in the Bears' shutout win over the Bills.
These are the type of stats and numbers that would be good enough for a young player like Booker to get him into the starting lineup. A good problem the Bears have is how deep they are on the defensive line with Booker currently backing up Montez Sweat and Dayo Odeyingbo.
It might be time to have a conversation as to whether Booker or Odeyingbo should start.
Should the Bears roll with Booker or Odeyingbo?
Chicago just signed Odeyingbo in the offseason to a three-year, $48 million contract to start alongside Sweat. Fans weren't impressed with his sack numbers during his four years with the Indianapolis Colts, though, with 16.5 in that span. However, he has recorded 17 quarterback hits in each of the last two years, indicating he can generate pressure on the quarterback.
Booker was more of a backup last year in his rookie season, as he had just four quarterback hits and 1.5 sacks during the year. Many in the media have been calling for him to be a breakout star in his second season in the NFL. Preseason has been a good indicator that everyone might be right.
It's challenging to determine who would be the better option based on the preseason. Odeyingbo hasn't played, and Booker has more often been going up against the backups, so the numbers might be slightly skewed.
Booker's performances shouldn't be ignored by Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen, though, as Booker is earning playing time. Every Bears fan would agree that he makes sense to have in the rotation at defensive end.
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Chicago couldn't have asked for a better situation as the focus of the team this offseason is to get more pass rush help so Sweat might be able to break loose and bounce back from his 5.5-sack season last year. Booker is making Sweat's life easier and could be a guy to watch in the regular season.