Austin Booker’s Physical Development Sets Stage for Key Year Three Push

Now a week removed from the 2026 NFL Draft, many fans are still feeling disappointed that the Chicago Bears did not take an edge rusher in the draft. This is understandable when considering that the Bears ranked 22nd in sacks with 35 and 29th in pressure percentage at 28% last season.

However, head coach Ben Johnson and general manager Ryan Poles feel good about the plan they have in place for their pass rush this upcoming season.

On Friday, Bears’ beat reporter Courtney Cronin said on SportsCenter that the Bears’ expect defensive end Austin Booker to take a big step this year.

“As for the pass rush, the Bears believe that the answer to fixing that weak link is within,” stated Cronin. After recording 10 quarterback hits, one forced fumble, and 4.5 sacks in only 10 games last season, the Bears expect him to pick up where he left off.

From @SportsCenter: How will Caleb Williams benefit from the Chicago Bears' 2026 draft picks? pic.twitter.com/j0BPGBtUSN

— Courtney Cronin (@CourtneyRCronin) May 1, 2026

In the press conference following Day 3 of the draft,  Johnson also alluded to viewing Booker as an important piece in improving the defense’s pass rush, starting with him taking the next step in his development.

“Montez Sweat had one of his better years in the NFL, whether that shows up in the sack total or not. He’s a very complete player, both run game and pass game,” Johnson said. “And you saw tremendous growth from Austin Booker when we were able to get him back as well. The combination of us being able to coach better and those guys taking the next step as part of this system, we’ve got some pretty good pieces to work with.”

Back in March, Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune reported that the Bears are excited about Booker’s development trajectory and have high expectations for him as he enters his third NFL season.