Should the Commanders take a chance on one-year wonder Austin Booker?
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By: gavalon55
Hogs Haven takes a look at 2024 NFL Draft prospects that could contribute to the Commanders
Austin Booker, EDGE
School: University of Kansas | Conference: Big 12
College Experience: Redshirt Sophomore | Draft Age: ?
Height / Weight: 6’4.5” / 240 lbs
Projected Draft Status: Mid 5th – 6th round
Player Comparison: Maxx Crosby
College Statistics
| Tackles | Def Int | Fumbles | |||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | School | Conf | Class | Pos | G | Solo | Ast | Tot | Loss | Sk | Int | Yds | Avg | TD | PD | FR | Yds | TD | FF |
| *2021 | Minnesota | Big Ten | FR | DL | |||||||||||||||
| *2022 | Minnesota | Big Ten | FR | 6 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1.0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| *2023 | Kansas | Big 12 | JR | DL | 12 | 40 | 16 | 56 | 12.0 | 8.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | |
| Career | Overall | 41 | 17 | 58 | 13.0 | 8.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | |||||
| Minnesota | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1.0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||
| Kansas | 40 | 16 | 56 | 12.0 | 8.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | ||||||
Generated 4/15/2024.
Player Overview
Austin Booker is a one-year wonder prospect who broke out in his only year playing for the University of Kansas Jayhawks. Booker spent his two first seasons with the University of Minnesota, redshirting his first season and only playing sparingly in 6 games in 2022. After transferring to Kansas for the 2023 season, he put up an notable 56 total tackles, 8 sacks, 12 tackles for loss, 1 pass defended, and 2 forced fumbles in 12 games. He was awarded the Big 12 Newcomer of the Year award and was selected for the All-Big 12 First Team. Booker was also selected for the Senior Bowl.
Austin Booker is a high upside prospect at defensive edge rusher. What he lacks in production, he makes up for with an athletic frame and skillset borrowed from his time as a high school basketball player. Austin Booker is a prospect who could possibly be a Day 2 selection if not higher given his trajectory. He projects to be a middle of Day 3 selection who will start as a backup, with an upside to become a starter.
Strengths
- Has an assortment of pass rush moves at his disposal.
- Good body frame with room for more muscle.
- Uses his long wingspan well to disrupt tackles and win with his hands.
- Physical at the point of attack as a run defender.
- Shows improving block recognition.
- Good pass rush bend.
Weaknesses
- Has a tight lower body.
- Limited playing experience, only one year of starting.
- Struggles against downhill runs.
- Needs to refine pass rush skillset and play recognition.
- Slow transition during play actions.
- Lack of explosion off the line of scrimmage.
Let’s See His Work
Texas (2023)
Kansas State (2023)
Highlights
Interviews
Austin Booker is a DE prospect in the 2024 draft class. He scored a 7.05 #RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 513 out of 1738 DE from 1987 to 2024.
Pro day pending.https://t.co/FGifwgEcGZ pic.twitter.com/2HQTuXFrJk
— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) April 1, 2024
How Will He Fit On The Team
Washington currently platoons defensive ends mixed with players from the previous regime (KJ Henry, Efe Obada) and free agents (Dorance Armstrong, Clelin Ferrell, Dante Fowler, Jr.). If Quinn/Whitt prefers a developmental depth piece over a starter, Austin Booker is an intriguing option. Booker is someone who has the capable tools but needs refinement and more strength. Austin Booker can contribute in niche situations in his rookie season but could develop into a starter by the latter half of his rookie contract.
Originally posted on Hogs Haven
