The Chicago Bears are looking to have a defensive unit that could be very disruptive in the 2024 season. Ryan Poles and company have put together a young core that is near the top of the list in terms of potential and they have mixed in some veterans who can play a big role.
Chicago fans are calling for the Bears to sign another edge rusher to pair with Montez Sweat. There are some notable edge rushers still available, including Carl Lawson, Emmanuel Ogbah, and Yannick Ngakoue. Together, these three players have a combined total of 304 games, 611 tackles, and 138.5 sacks. Their impressive stats show they could make a significant impact on many teams in the NFL.
Considering the success of these three players in the NFL, what's preventing Ryan Poles from signing one of them? The answer might already be on the team. In the 2024 NFL draft, the Bears picked Austin Booker in the 5th round for his pass-rushing skills. Although he still needs to improve his ability to stop the run, he could complement Demarcus Walker and Zacch Pickens well.
Austin Booker could address a major need for the Chicago Bears.
Another question that could be asked is why there is so much confidence in a 5th-round rookie. Well, Booker has drawn comparisons to Maxx Crosby from many scouts and coaches around the NFL. Although Crosby has evolved to become an every-snap edge rusher, he was originally thought to be a one-down speed rusher. Which is why he was not drafted until the fourth round of the 2019 draft. If the Bears can similarly tap into Booker's potential in the way the Raiders tapped into Crosby's potential there would be a lot of happy people in Chicago.
It seems as if Poles could be content with his defensive group headed into the season and the trust in Austin Booker seems to be there. It'll be interesting to see how this group is platooned and the impact they can have in the upcoming season.