2024 NFL Draft Thread

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#229      
IlliniFaninHoosierLand
Here's the NFL.com draft info on Booker:

Draft Projection
Round 3

NFL Comparison
Maxx Crosby

​

Overview​

Truly unique prospect combining tremendous upside with an extremely limited sample size. A more conservative approach on Booker’s grade might be prudent, but it becomes a difficult route to take when observing his length, explosive athleticism and rush talent. Booker needs to get bigger and stronger, but that will come. The diversity of his rush approach is unheard of for a player with so little playing time. He can stride and dip at the top of the rush or beat tackles back inside with a Euro step or spin counter. He can stab and long-arm tackles into the pocket or stay separated from them at the point of attack. He chases quarterbacks and running backs with agility and burst but can be inconsistent dealing with a downhill running game. His reps against talented Texas left tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. could be the springboard to push this gifted edge defender with monster traits up the draft board toward an exciting NFL career.

​

Strengths​

  • Possesses basketball-player wingspan with a frame that is sure to add more mass.
  • Pairs long-striding edge attack with vicious inside spin counter.
  • Impressive speed-to-power and dip-and-flatten techniques as a rusher.
  • Excellent feel for turning shoulders and eluding blocker’s hands.
  • Length and speed put him on top of QBs/RBs before they know it.
  • Out-reaches the tackle to extend and set the edge versus the run.
  • Shows unique ability to use his length to work around blocks.
  • Has pursuit speed to rack up tackles and tackles for loss as a pro.

​

Weaknesses​

  • One of the lowest career snap counts (505, per PFF) you’ll see for a draftable prospect.
  • Needs to get much stronger in both his upper and lower body.
  • Pad level can get away from him on inside moves.
  • Gets in trouble when run blockers sink into frame.
  • Could struggle against downhill run attacks without trying to elude blocks.
 
#232      
logjam
IlliniFaninHoosierLand said:
Here's the NFL.com draft info on Booker:

Draft Projection
Round 3

NFL Comparison
Maxx Crosby

​

Overview​

Truly unique prospect combining tremendous upside with an extremely limited sample size. A more conservative approach on Booker’s grade might be prudent, but it becomes a difficult route to take when observing his length, explosive athleticism and rush talent. Booker needs to get bigger and stronger, but that will come. The diversity of his rush approach is unheard of for a player with so little playing time. He can stride and dip at the top of the rush or beat tackles back inside with a Euro step or spin counter. He can stab and long-arm tackles into the pocket or stay separated from them at the point of attack. He chases quarterbacks and running backs with agility and burst but can be inconsistent dealing with a downhill running game. His reps against talented Texas left tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. could be the springboard to push this gifted edge defender with monster traits up the draft board toward an exciting NFL career.

​

Strengths​

  • Possesses basketball-player wingspan with a frame that is sure to add more mass.
  • Pairs long-striding edge attack with vicious inside spin counter.
  • Impressive speed-to-power and dip-and-flatten techniques as a rusher.
  • Excellent feel for turning shoulders and eluding blocker’s hands.
  • Length and speed put him on top of QBs/RBs before they know it.
  • Out-reaches the tackle to extend and set the edge versus the run.
  • Shows unique ability to use his length to work around blocks.
  • Has pursuit speed to rack up tackles and tackles for loss as a pro.

​

Weaknesses​

  • One of the lowest career snap counts (505, per PFF) you’ll see for a draftable prospect.
  • Needs to get much stronger in both his upper and lower body.
  • Pad level can get away from him on inside moves.
  • Gets in trouble when run blockers sink into frame.
  • Could struggle against downhill run attacks without trying to elude blocks.
Click to expand...
For 5th rder seems like a no-brainer...
 
#235      
Chuck Nuggets
Does that essentially mean the Bears got Ryan Bates and Austin Booker for next year's 4th round pick, in terms of lost assets? Not bad.
 
#238      
Boskydell
IlliniFaninHoosierLand said:
Here's the NFL.com draft info on Booker:

Draft Projection
Round 3

NFL Comparison
Maxx Crosby

​

Overview​

Truly unique prospect combining tremendous upside with an extremely limited sample size. A more conservative approach on Booker’s grade might be prudent, but it becomes a difficult route to take when observing his length, explosive athleticism and rush talent. Booker needs to get bigger and stronger, but that will come. The diversity of his rush approach is unheard of for a player with so little playing time. He can stride and dip at the top of the rush or beat tackles back inside with a Euro step or spin counter. He can stab and long-arm tackles into the pocket or stay separated from them at the point of attack. He chases quarterbacks and running backs with agility and burst but can be inconsistent dealing with a downhill running game. His reps against talented Texas left tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. could be the springboard to push this gifted edge defender with monster traits up the draft board toward an exciting NFL career.

​

Strengths​

  • Possesses basketball-player wingspan with a frame that is sure to add more mass.
  • Pairs long-striding edge attack with vicious inside spin counter.
  • Impressive speed-to-power and dip-and-flatten techniques as a rusher.
  • Excellent feel for turning shoulders and eluding blocker’s hands.
  • Length and speed put him on top of QBs/RBs before they know it.
  • Out-reaches the tackle to extend and set the edge versus the run.
  • Shows unique ability to use his length to work around blocks.
  • Has pursuit speed to rack up tackles and tackles for loss as a pro.

​

Weaknesses​

  • One of the lowest career snap counts (505, per PFF) you’ll see for a draftable prospect.
  • Needs to get much stronger in both his upper and lower body.
  • Pad level can get away from him on inside moves.
  • Gets in trouble when run blockers sink into frame.
  • Could struggle against downhill run attacks without trying to elude blocks.
Click to expand...
So, in other words: Richard Dent.
 
#243      
IlliniFaninHoosierLand
Here's the NFL.com draft info on Casey Washington:

Draft Projection
Round 7

​

Overview​

Outside receiver with good size but below-average career production to lean on. Washington plays with physicality at the catch point and at the top of the route but lacks the foot quickness to elude press and beat coverage in and out of breaks. He catches with an extended radius and is capable of finishing catches through contact. He doesn’t outrun corners on deep throws and might not have the separation talent to make a roster.

​

Strengths​

  • Good competitiveness to fight for the throw.
  • Relatively unaffected by contact on contested catches.
  • Loose-limbed and possesses talent for bringing in off-frame throws.
  • Capable of breaking through perimeter tacklers after the catch.
  • Has the size, strength and aggression to become a solid run blocker.

​

Weaknesses​

  • Only four touchdowns on 122 career catches.
  • Below-average long speed for vertical separation.
  • Lacks necessary foot quickness to beat press off the line.
  • Leggy strider with sluggishness getting in and out of breaks.
  • Allows coverage to scrape underneath with clean entry into passing lane.
 
#244      
New Creation
IlliniFaninHoosierLand said:
With the 187th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Atlanta Falcons select Casey Washington, WR, Illinois.
Click to expand...
Illinois Football GIF by Fighting Illini Athletics
 
#248      
Champaign88
I’m surprised at the CW pick. I remember this board always saying he gets no separation. Not sure how that will improve against NFL coverage but best of luck to him!

Also not sure if I should be surprised or saddened that we had the 3rd tight end off the board last year and used him sparingly.
 
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