1. TYLER BOOKER, Alabama (6-4 ½, 326, 5.34, 1): Third-year junior. “He’s a pretty safe bet to be the first guard,” one scout said. “He has the most solid foundation. Now he may be a little bit more of a gap-scheme than a run-off-the-ball wide-zone type. He’s a big body. Real big personality. He’s very much liked at the school. He’s been paid a lot of money. There’s some maturity there.” Rotated at both guards in 2022 before starting 25 games at left guard in 2023-’24. Last season, one of his starts came at left tackle. “Giant human being,” said a second scout.
“Heavy-handed, flexible, strong, smart, good athlete. Not a great puller or second-level guy but he’s a really good in-line player, run and pass. He’d be our starting right guard yesterday. Guards typically don’t go in the first round but he will. He could play some right tackle in some power schemes.” Five-star recruit from New Haven, Conn., and IMG Academy. “A guard like this, you could take him (first round),” said a third scout. “He’s not super talented or dynamic in any way but he’s big, moves well enough, plays on his feet, good football intelligence, he works. He’ll be good.” Arms were 34 ½ inches, size 11-inch hands were the largest at the position. “I don’t know if he’ll be a solid starter but I don’t think you’ll miss on him,” said a fourth scout. “I have him in the second round but you’ve got to find 32 and he may be one of those 32.” Tested poorly. Vertical jump (27 inches), broad jump (7-10) and bench-press reps (21) were the worst at the position.
I like the pick. He wont bust.