The 2024 season started going downhill for the New Orleans Saints when members of the offensive line started getting injured. The only two linemen to start every game were the two young tackles. Aside from them, the group proved to be a thin unit that needs more depth.
New Orleans will likely add to that depth in the 2025 NFL Draft. One player the team could ultimately select is guard Tyler Booker.
Drafting Tyler Booker would make a lot of sense for the Saints
Accolades: 2nd team All-American, 1st team SEC, team captain
2024 stats: 778 snaps, 0 sacks, 10 pressures
Size: 6”5’, 325 LBs
Projection: 2nd round
Tyler Booker is a powerful blocker in the run game and excels at tranquilizing power rushers in pass protection. Booker has an amazing frame that he pairs with solid leverage. He is an enticing prospect for any team needing help at guard.
Booker is a wrecking ball in the run game, capable of leveling anyone he comes across. He pushes defenders back multiple yards on a regular basis. The former Crimson Tide has an iron grip, not allowing a defender to escape once his hands are attached. He has ample experience in both zone and gap schemes.
Booker has the needed athleticism to pull block. He has a great burst off the line and gets out of his stance quickly. The last thing a defender wants to see is Booker approaching them in a full sprint. This skill should translate to the NFL.
It’s impossible to be matched up with Booker all game. He punishes defenders with body blows and his hands are heavy, constantly pushing at the defender. Each strike compounds, eventually wearing them out.
Booker also excels when facing power rushers. He mitigates the risk of being pushed back into the quarterback by staying low and anchoring to the ground. He is wise and doesn’t get overaggressive, waiting for the defender to come to him.
The area of his game that Booker needs to focus the most on is his lateral agility. It’s not awful by any means, however, it’s not good enough to hold up in the NFL. If it doesn’t improve, speed rushers will be a nightmare for him to go up against. The good news is that lateral agility is something that can be improved with training.
Tyler Booker is an intriguing prospect for any team needing help at guard. His power in the run game and ability to tranquilize speed rushers should entice scouts. The Saints should be interested as he would fill in arguably their biggest positional need.