We’re going back to Cali for the next 2022 NFL Draft profile.
Thomas Booker – 6’ 3”, 301 – Stanford, IDL, Senior
Thomas Booker got off to a hot start in Stanford, starting three games as a true freshman, but it wasn’t until the back-half of his sophomore season that he solidified himself as a full-time starter for the Cardinal.
With 9.5 career sacks and 68 pressures, we can say that Booker has been fairly productive. He’s bounced all over Stanford’s defensive line but he’s been at his best as a 3-tech. He’s an interesting prospect for the 2022 NFL Draft.
What I Like
+ High-end Flashes
+ Athleticism
+ Length
+ Top-end Speed
+ Lateral Mobility
+ Explosiveness
We’ve seen flashes of what Booker is capable of and there’s quite a bit to like. He’s a thick boy with a rare size/athleticism combination. When Booker is on, we see good first-step quickness and some serious juice off the snap.
Thomas Booker (Stanford-DL) has popped on film. Excellent rep here.
— Ryan Fowler (@_RyanFowler_) January 29, 2022
He’s an explosive mover that can also operate parallel to the line of scrimmage. He’s a value-add when he’s asked to stunt and looks good in straight-line pursuit. As expected, he posted great numbers in speed and agility drills at the NFL Combine. He’s one of the top movers at the IDL position for the 2022 NFL Draft.
Booker is at his best when placed over the guard with limited responsibility. He can be trusted to defeat blockers head-on and push the pocket. He shows elite balance and rarely ever finishes a play from the ground.
What I Haven’t Seen Yet
– Versatility
– Consistent Burst
– Anchor
– Hand Technique
– Pass Rush Moves
– Development
Booker is a completely different player when he’s lined up over the tackle. He looks uncomfortable and is far less productive from there. He lines up too far off the ball and is a step later than usual. Booker is not at his best when attacking the pocket from wide angles.
When Booker aligns outside the tackle, it shines a light on his lack of flexibility. He’s not an edge-bender and has an extremely limited bag to rush the passer with. Its bullrush or nothing from Booker at this stage in his development.
He’s got decent arm length but we rarely ever see him use that on tape. He gives consistent effort when engaged but allows blockers into his chestplate far too often, and will struggle to rid himself of his man.
Like most young, natural 3-techs, Booker is limited to just a one-gapping penetrator against the run. We need to see more reps of Booker extending, stacking, and shedding. He’s occasionally a tick out of phase in his run-fit, and can struggle to find the ball. That leaves him grasping for shoelaces far too often – a fair amount of missed tackles.
Booker holds down his spot fairly well in straight-up one-on-ones but is easily moved by doubles. Down blocks usually do the trick on him as well due to his inability to protect his edges. Booker would rather get driven off the spot than clog the hole from the ground.
The most troubling aspect of Booker’s game is that he never really improved from his sophomore season. He never came close to topping the 21 pressures on 315 opportunities – 6.67% success rate – that he recorded that season.
He has a lot of bad tape in both phases of the game but the potential is obvious.
The more I watch Thomas Booker the more convinced I become that you can line him up anywhere on that line. His football IQ is off the charts…the interview he had with @BrettKollmann was incredibly interesting. pic.twitter.com/UL1HAMTmHL
— Jesse Peel-SportsRuckus (@JPSportsRuckus) March 16, 2022
Overview
Booker has all the traits needed to be a successful 3-tech at the next level. He needs to find a nice safe home where he’s not asked to do too much too soon. He should begin his career as a rotational defender with pass-rush potential, though he may be a liability against the run.
Booker’s frame and athleticism will remind scouts of Hassan Ridgeway. Both players tested and measured well but had holes in their game. Ridgeway has been up and down in his play but was an elite 3-tech at one point in his career. That’s the ceiling for Booker. You’re banking on his potential but he’s more than worthy of a late-round selection in the 2022 NFL Draft.
NFL Combine:
| HT | WT | Arm | Hand | 40 | Bench | Vert | Broad | 20shtl | 3cn |
| 6′ 3″ | 301 | 33 1/4″ | 10 5/8″ | 4.94 | DNP | DNP | 110″ | 4.41 | 7.33 |
RAS: 9.81
NFL Comp: Hassan Ridgeway
Role: Rotational 3-Tech
Grade: Day Three Selection
