Brandon Booker Scouting Report
Profile Link: http://nsfl.jcink.net/index.php?showtopic=18950
Introduction:
This is the third of several scouting reports that I’ll be writing on this upcoming DSFL draft class of CBs. Considering that they are a deciding factor on whether or not an offense will torch you in the passing game, Cornerbacks are an important position that every DSFL GM should be looking for on their draft board. This series of reports will be written so that DSFL GMs won’t need to look far to determine which of the CBs in the upcoming draft class will fit their needs best. Now, without further ado, here is my scouting report on the CB out of Arizona State, Brandon Booker.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
As an All-Around CB, Booker is well-suited and accustomed to playing both Man and Zone. His above-average strength coupled with his slightly above-average tackling make him an ideal choice for any teams that plan on running a scheme loaded with CB blitzes. His above-average speed allows him to easily run down and keep up with the fastest of WRs. Along with this, his slightly above-average endurance means that he won't be fatigued often, and can be kept on the field for extended periods of time. His biggest downfall, however, are his below-average hands. Although his strength ensures that even the most physical TEs and WRs will have a very tough time outmuscling him, he likely won't be able to force many pass knockouts or win many 50/50 balls against red zone threats or balanced TEs. His biggest asset, however, is his very high intelligence. His instincts are off the charts. He can adapt to playing in almost any scheme, and could even be listed on a depth chart as an injury replacement for Free Safety. It'll be very difficult for opposing QBs to fake him out with their eyes, and it seems that he'll be almost always aware if he gets beaten on a route, despite his fairly average agility (for CBs in general) that makes this possible. He is definitely one of the best CBs in this draft class based on his attributes alone.
Pro Comparison:
Brandon Booker is very reminiscient of Marcus Peters, a former professional cornerback for the Baltimore Ravens. Both are very intelligent, instinctive CBs, and can be played in either Man or Zone, although Peters excelled more at Zone than he did in Man coverage. In addition, both are susceptible to being burned by WRs, but each make up for it in their own way. Booker makes up for it with his tackling and ability to strip the ball from ball-carriers, and Peters makes up for it with his exceptional ball-skills, along with his already great tackling. I would consider this to be a high floor. Booker's ceiling can be considered to be Charles Woodson, one of the best all-around CBs to play the game, which establishes his ceiling as very high. If he prioritizes improving his ball-skills, speed, and tackling, he'll surely reach his ceiling eventually. He's a CB with a relatively high floor of Marcus Peters, and a definitively high ceiling of Charles Woodson.
Extras:
- Attended ASU, meaning that it is very likely that he attends parties frequently (may have character issues)
- Is relatively inexperienced at CB, having been a return specialist and RB for most of his career (his hands would likely explain the position swap)
- A bit undersized at 5'11"
- Weighs 198 lbs, also a bit undersized, yet is still pretty strong, pound-for-pound
- Good public image, an example being his popularity at the high-school level
- Questionable work ethic (ASU is a very well-known party school), although his position swap and high-school GPA contradict this (we'll see)
Conclusion:
Brandon Booker is a very good choice for any GM looking to have a starter-quality CB straight out of the draft. His ceiling is very high, and so is his floor. He is a bit undersized for a CB of his archetype, but is still a nightmare matchup for slot WRs, and can go at it with WR1s and 2s effectively as well. He is very adaptable, and can play in most any scheme, but should be used by defensive coordinators as a blitzing CB as well. Overall, GM should be looking to draft him in the early-mid first round, and if he falls, it'll likely be due to either his questionable work ethic or his tendency to party hard and often. His hands do need to be improved on the most, though. Aside from his character issues, Brandon Booker has a whole lot of upside, and not a lot of downside, as most rookies do.
Profile Link: http://nsfl.jcink.net/index.php?showtopic=18950
Introduction:
This is the third of several scouting reports that I’ll be writing on this upcoming DSFL draft class of CBs. Considering that they are a deciding factor on whether or not an offense will torch you in the passing game, Cornerbacks are an important position that every DSFL GM should be looking for on their draft board. This series of reports will be written so that DSFL GMs won’t need to look far to determine which of the CBs in the upcoming draft class will fit their needs best. Now, without further ado, here is my scouting report on the CB out of Arizona State, Brandon Booker.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
As an All-Around CB, Booker is well-suited and accustomed to playing both Man and Zone. His above-average strength coupled with his slightly above-average tackling make him an ideal choice for any teams that plan on running a scheme loaded with CB blitzes. His above-average speed allows him to easily run down and keep up with the fastest of WRs. Along with this, his slightly above-average endurance means that he won't be fatigued often, and can be kept on the field for extended periods of time. His biggest downfall, however, are his below-average hands. Although his strength ensures that even the most physical TEs and WRs will have a very tough time outmuscling him, he likely won't be able to force many pass knockouts or win many 50/50 balls against red zone threats or balanced TEs. His biggest asset, however, is his very high intelligence. His instincts are off the charts. He can adapt to playing in almost any scheme, and could even be listed on a depth chart as an injury replacement for Free Safety. It'll be very difficult for opposing QBs to fake him out with their eyes, and it seems that he'll be almost always aware if he gets beaten on a route, despite his fairly average agility (for CBs in general) that makes this possible. He is definitely one of the best CBs in this draft class based on his attributes alone.
Pro Comparison:
Brandon Booker is very reminiscient of Marcus Peters, a former professional cornerback for the Baltimore Ravens. Both are very intelligent, instinctive CBs, and can be played in either Man or Zone, although Peters excelled more at Zone than he did in Man coverage. In addition, both are susceptible to being burned by WRs, but each make up for it in their own way. Booker makes up for it with his tackling and ability to strip the ball from ball-carriers, and Peters makes up for it with his exceptional ball-skills, along with his already great tackling. I would consider this to be a high floor. Booker's ceiling can be considered to be Charles Woodson, one of the best all-around CBs to play the game, which establishes his ceiling as very high. If he prioritizes improving his ball-skills, speed, and tackling, he'll surely reach his ceiling eventually. He's a CB with a relatively high floor of Marcus Peters, and a definitively high ceiling of Charles Woodson.
Extras:
- Attended ASU, meaning that it is very likely that he attends parties frequently (may have character issues)
- Is relatively inexperienced at CB, having been a return specialist and RB for most of his career (his hands would likely explain the position swap)
- A bit undersized at 5'11"
- Weighs 198 lbs, also a bit undersized, yet is still pretty strong, pound-for-pound
- Good public image, an example being his popularity at the high-school level
- Questionable work ethic (ASU is a very well-known party school), although his position swap and high-school GPA contradict this (we'll see)
Conclusion:
Brandon Booker is a very good choice for any GM looking to have a starter-quality CB straight out of the draft. His ceiling is very high, and so is his floor. He is a bit undersized for a CB of his archetype, but is still a nightmare matchup for slot WRs, and can go at it with WR1s and 2s effectively as well. He is very adaptable, and can play in most any scheme, but should be used by defensive coordinators as a blitzing CB as well. Overall, GM should be looking to draft him in the early-mid first round, and if he falls, it'll likely be due to either his questionable work ethic or his tendency to party hard and often. His hands do need to be improved on the most, though. Aside from his character issues, Brandon Booker has a whole lot of upside, and not a lot of downside, as most rookies do.
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