With the countdown until training camp, the countdown of the most important Chicago Bears on the 2025 roster is also on. Which players are going to impact wins more than others?
Chicago Bears' most important players: Number 29, Austin Booker
Is there such a thing as a make-or-break year for a fifth-round pick entering year two of his NFL career? What even results in a make or a break for a player who is expected to play rotationally at best? A lot will be discovered from Booker either way.
On the surface, things do not look good. He is coming off a 1.5 sack rookie season, and not only did the team change their defensive scheme, but the scheme they went to serves bigger, longer-armed run defenders, which has Booker looking like an odd man out. So, the break for Booker this year could be finding himself on a new team.
However, the Bears do need him to be a draft pick that made it because they do not invest nearly enough in their edge rush. They have Montez Sweat and added Dayo Odeyingbo, but beyond those two, they need Booker in the worst way. Odeyingo is known for his run-stopping ability, and while he fits well with Dennis Allen, they need someone to bring pass-rush juice, which is why Booker is ranked 29th on this list.
If Booker does not serve a role in this defense, we are talking about Dominique Robinson again. That is a player who has consistently been on the roster bubble. So, the impact of what Booker can bring is consequential to their season outlook.
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Does Booker earn his role, does he end up in the dog house of Dennis Allen, or do they try to have him fit, but realize it is just not going to work?