Eric Washington Failed To Hide His Excitement Getting Austin Booker

The Chicago Bears knew they needed to shake up the coaching staff after a frustrating 2023 season. That included replacing both of their coordinators. They lost Alan Williams a quarter through last year to resignation, though rumors indicate he was urged to leave due to HR-related issues. Head coach Matt Eberflus knew he had to find somebody who shared the same philosophies about defense he did. It wouldn’t hurt if the man had some experience working in a similar scheme. After a careful search, the Bears landed on Buffalo Bills defensive line coach Eric Washington.

The choice made sense. Washington spent four years in Chicago under Lovie Smith from 2008 through 2012. Then, he worked for Ron Rivera in Carolina, the Bears’ former defensive coordinator. He had a deep understanding of the Tampa-2 scheme Eberflus likes to run. More importantly, he had the expertise and track record to elevate the defensive line.

Washington spoke to the media for the first time on Saturday, expressing his excitement about working with a talented group of players. It didn’t take him long to mention one name in particular.

Eric Washington clearly pushed for Austin Booker.

Keep in mind that he said that completely unprompted before he started taking questions. Washington’s excitement about the fifth-round pick from Kansas is palpable. It isn’t hard to imagine he was one of the people pushing for the Bears to get back into the draft to take him. Experts felt Booker came out of college too soon. He’d only started for one season. Most expected him to stay in school one more year. He’s only 21 years old. That doesn’t seem to phase Washington. He is no stranger to developing young edge rushers.

Greg Hardy, Mario Addison, Brian Burns, Gregory Rousseau, and A.J. Epenesa are some examples. Booker is as talented as all of them, even more so. He’s a good athlete, long, and stronger than his 245-lbs frame suggests. He only lacks extra mass and a larger toolbox of pass rush moves. The Bears’ strength staff can solve the former. Eric Washington can’t wait to fix the latter. If Booker is willing to put in the work, he could be one of the 2024 draft’s biggest steals.