2024 fifth-round pick Austin Booker took advantage of the opportunity created by Odeyingbo's injury, finishing the season as starter with 19 stops, 16 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble, and 3 batted passes on 491 snaps—good enough for top-20 edge after week ten. More intriguingly, Booker ended the season on a hot streak: weeks 14–18 totaled 23 stops, 3.5 sacks, and 3 batted passes, making him the number seven edge for December. Many within the organization believe it was not a mirage. Lance Zierlein gave Booker a third-round grade with an NFL comparison to Maxx Crosby. Like a young Crosby, Booker is tall and lanky at 6'4.5" and 240 pounds with a frame to add muscle and a huge wingspan. Dennis Allen likes his interior line to penetrate and disrupt, and Booker's profile fits that scheme preference. Booker may enter camp as a backup but could be a productive starter by week one.