This season, the Kansas football program produced some very talented players. Of particular, OL Dominick Puni went undrafted in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft. During the draft, another former Jayhawk heard his name called at the podium, though it took longer than some might have thought.
EDGE The Chicago Bears selected Austin Booker with the ninth pick of the fifth round, 144th overall. With an underappreciated defensive selection that might ultimately out to be crucial for the Bears, general manager Ryan Poles strengthened his outstanding draft class, which already included quarterback Caleb Williams and wide receiver Rome Odunze.
Kansas football EDGE Austin Booker goes 144th overall to Bears
Booker had two years at Minnesota before having a major breakthrough season with the Jayhawks in 2023. As soon as he logged onto the transfer site, HC Lance Leipold recruited him and provided him with the necessary chance. It turns out that all the 6-foot-6 prospect needed was an opportunity to demonstrate his skill set.
Booker made First Team All-Big 12 accolades, won Big 12 Defensive Newcomer of the Year, and recorded eight sacks, 12 tackles for loss, 56 total tackles, and two forced fumbles in his first full season of playing time. Throughout the entire season, he caused havoc in backfields as the top-edge rusher for KU’s defense.
Chicago traded its fourth-round pick in next year’s draft to the Buffalo Bills to land the 144th selection. While the Bears technically traded down one round, they clearly feel confident in Booker and his ability to transform into a key player for years to come.
Here is the scouting report NFL Draft analyst Steve Muench gave Booker before the draft.
“Booker started only one game in college and didn’t test as well as expected at the combine, but there are impressive flashes on tape. His length is one of his greatest assets, and it makes it tough for offensive linemen to get into his frame. As a pass-rusher, he shows explosive knock-back power and is smooth working inside when offensive linemen get caught on their heels. He doesn’t have elite bend or burst but occasionally wins with speed off the edge. Booker has active hands and the ability to slip blocks, and he chases with good effort as a run-defender. He’s lean but can shoot his hands and stack bigger blockers.”
While the Indiana native did himself no favors during the Scouting Combine — his 53 athleticism score is well below average — he has the physical tools to become a star player in the future. Booker joined Puni as one of the two former Kansas football players to be selected in this year’s draft. He is the 12th player from KU since 2010 to be drafted.
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