The Kansas football program produced some excellent talent this season, with OL Dominick Puni going off the board during the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft. While it took longer than some might have anticipated, another former Jayhawk heard his name called at the podium during the draft.
EDGE Austin Booker was taken 144th overall as the ninth pick of the fifth round by the Chicago Bears. GM Ryan Poles bolstered his tremendous draft class consisting of QB Caleb Williams and WR Rome Odunze with an under-the-radar defensive pick that could prove to be vital for the Bears in the long term.
Kansas football EDGE Austin Booker goes 144th overall to Bears
After spending two years at Minnesota, Booker broke out in a huge way with the Jayhawks in 2023. HC Lance Leipold recruited him as soon as he entered the transfer portal and gave him the opportunity he needed. As it turns out, the 6-foot-6 prospect just needed a chance to showcase his skill set.
In his first full season of reps, Booker recorded eight sacks, 12 tackles for loss, 56 total tackles, and two forced fumbles while earning First Team All-Big 12 honors and winning Big 12 Defensive Newcomer of the Year. He was the top-edge rusher on KU’s defense and wreaked havoc in backfields all season long.
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