Why do I like Andrew Booth Jr. so much as an NFL prospect in the 2022 draft? The Dacula Ga native has made spectacular play after spectacular play in the last two seasons for the Tigers. I know that most Clemson fans can remember the one-handed catch he made against UVA. That was a SportsCenter highlight for the ages. In addition, he has the swagger and competitive spirit that I like in a defensive back. He doesn’t back down from any of his competitors, and in my opinion, he should be a late first or second-round pick.
Strengths:
Booth has the sizes and strength to excel on the outside and short-area quickness to succeed against slot receivers. In addition, Booth has excellent body control and athleticism that helps him make unbelievable plays on the ball. Booth is also an excellent tackler and has the heart of a cat burglar against the run. That is a rare quality found in a defensive back.
Weakness: Booth is not the most technically sound cornerback globally and often relies on his athletic ability to get him out of trouble. The NC State game this season was a prime example of him taking unnecessary risks and paying the price. In addition, he has a history of soft tissue injuries that could be a concern for most teams.
Overall:
I predict that Andrew Booth is a talented defensive back and will be an outstanding player for years in the NFL. I could see him going anywhere from the 15th selection to the Philadelphia Eagles to the first to three picks in the second round. If he drops beyond that, consider your team lucky that you got a football bargain from the football gods.
Guest analyst Levon Kirkland is in the Clemson ring of honor. Kirkland In his career with the Tigers won the ACC championship twice, had four top-20 seasons and posted a 39-8-1 record.
Kirkland was a 2nd round choice of the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1992. He played 11 seasons in the league. He was named to the All Decade team for the 1990's.
Kirkland coached linebackers for Florida A&M for 2 seasons. He also was on the coaching staff for the Arizona Cardinals for 2 seasons.