The Las Vegas Raiders are evaluating prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft, determining the best fits for their culture and who will bring them victories.
The NFL Scouting Combine begins next week at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind., a chance for teams to meet and learn about these players on and off the field.
General Manager Tom Telesco will be in attendance to see firsthand which players catch his eye. These players could eventually don the Silver and Black if Telesco likes what he sees.
One of those players could be Kansas defensive end Austin Booker. A transfer from Minnesota, Booker became an All-Conference player with the Jayhawks.
A First-Team All-Big 12 member and Big 12 Defensive Newcomer of the Year in 2023, Booker finished his collegiate career with 58 total tackles, 13 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, a pass defended, and eight sacks. Booker had a good week at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala., which should help improve his draft stock.
What may also improve his draft stock is a good week at the combine. Booker stands at 6-foot-4 and weighs 240 pounds. He may not have the ideal weight to be an NFL defensive end, but he makes up for it with athleticism and quickness.
Booker has a broad base and a slender waist. His lower body is a bit thinner. Based on his stature, he looks like a 4-3 outside linebacker at the next level.
What really stands out about Booker is his quick-twitch athleticism. He can get off the ball quickly and make moves that offensive linemen cannot react to in time. He shows good bend off the edge and impressive closing speed. According to Pro Football Focus, Booker generated 38 total pressures in 2023.
Booker can also be a factor in the run game. Teams often ran away from him, knowing he can make an impact on a ball carrier. He has good footwork and balance to make tackles.
The hang-up about Booker may be his frame. He is slender in his lower body, which may make it tough for him to get off blocks at the next level.
Booker’s stock has improved, and he may be a second-round selection right now. If the Raiders are looking for a tough, twitchy, hardworking edge rusher, Booker could be their guy.
From February 27 to March 4, 2024, the NFL Scouting Combine will be held at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind.
The NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, Mich., on April 25-27, 2024. The Las Vegas Raiders currently hold the No. 13 overall pick.
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