One of the biggest concerns for the Chicago Bears entering their 2025 training camp is the depth at certain positions. There is a Bears backup who is poised to have a big season and can showcase it during camp.
ESPN NFL analyst Aaron Schatz wrote an article with Mike Clay and Seth Walder, ranking the best rosters in the league. The Bears were almost right in the middle at 15 as Schatz added who the nonstarter on the team is. Defensive lineman Austin Booker caught Schatz's eye.
"There's very little depth on the edge, so the Bears will need contributions from Booker, a 2024 fifth-round pick. But Booker was one of the lowest-ranking prospects in last year's class, according to my SackSEER projections. Booker had 1.5 sacks and eight pressures last season, according to FTN Data charting. That was less production than departed edge backups Darrell Taylor or Jacob Martin."
Booker continues to be the sleeper pick everyone expects to play well in 2025...or is he a sleeper?
It's almost difficult to even call Booker a sleeper anymore as everyone is so high on him being a breakout star in 2025. He makes it easy to see the potential he's got to help the Bears.
In his rookie season, Booker had 21 tackles, four quarterback hits, three tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks in 17 games. His Pro Football Focus grades may not look as impressive as his overall grade of 52.5, which ranked 167th out of 211 defensive ends in the NFL.
To Booker's defense, not many Bears defensive linemen had strong 2024 seasons. Montez Sweat had the most sacks on the team last year and he had 5.5 sacks.
Chicago added Dayo Odeyingbo in free agency to give the Bears another solid pass rusher, but even he had a down 2024 campaign with the Indianapolis Colts. Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen needs someone on the line to step up and have a strong 2025 season for his defense.
Depth has been a major concern with the Bears, but Booker gives them hope. He's the one the unit will rely on to not miss a beat when Sweat or Odeyingbo needs rest.
Read more: All signs point to trouble for this Bears veteran heading into camp
The media seems fixated on Booker having a strong season, which is good news for Bears fans needing a young player to cheer for.