By Adam Aniba
NFL teams are always in search of the next shutdown corner and we have a legit contender in this prospect spotlight. Defensive coordinators covet corners who have the ability to travel with opposing teams' top receiving threats. After the college season concluded, it was clear a few defensive prospects would be in demand by NFL teams seeking potential ballhawk corners. Other defensive backs have received headlines, but Clemson's Andrew Booth Jr could see his name called early during April's draft.
Andrew Booth Jr
6'0" 200 lbs | CB | Clemson
1st Rd Grade Top 20
Career Stats (25 games) 68 total tak 51 solo), 7.5 TFL, 3 ints (1 TD), 9 PD & 1 sack
2021 (11 games) 37 tak (26 solo), 2 TFL, 1 int with 5 PD
Background
Booth attended Archer HS in Lawrenceville, GA where he was a defensive captain and was named All-County Defensive Back of the Year. As the teams top defensive playmaker, Booth recorded 162 tak 13 ints and 2 sacks. He also finished with 585 rec yds 5 tds as the team's gadget receiver, finishing with a 22.5 per catch avr.
Booth would leave Archer as a 5-star recruit and one of the top defensive backs in the nation, in addition to gaining multiple academic accolades. Booth was named to the 2019 Under Armour All-American team leading to an offer from Clemson.
Pros
Effective in Man Coverage or Zone
Best suited to play outside, but also effective covering the slot
Displays the ability to effectively sink his hips and redirect on a dime
Long arms and sound technique, big plus in press coverage
Fluid backpedal with the ability to effectively shadow pass catchers
Loves to mix it up in the run game, shedding blocks with ease
Non stop motor, he hype man of the Clemson defensive backfield
Impressive versatility that NFL teams will covet with experience at WR and KR
Cons
Tends to give up too much ground and relies on recovery speed
Tackling technique needs refinement; leaves feet too often
Can be a gambler when playing the ball
Guilty of communication breakdowns at times, which led to coverage busts
Zone concept deficiencies show up on tape at times, but only a slight concern
During the 2021 season Booth displayed how far he has come as a cover corner. He showed an advanced understanding of route concepts, jumping routes before receivers even looked for the ball.
As eager as Booth was to line up against opposing teams' top receivers, he certainly enjoyed mixing it up in the run game. Booth shows no fear playing the run and is a tone setter, utilizing his long arms to trip up ball carriers.
Make no mistake, Booth's ability to make highlight reel type pass breakups and interceptions is what will gain the attention of draft evaluators.
Booth has been prepared well by Clemson coaches to make the jump to the NFL. His skill set and understanding of coverage schemes are vast. His experience playing press-coverage, soft press, zone coverage and man coverage will make him a desirable prospect. His ability on special teams coverage will certainly appeal as well.
Final Thought
Booth Jr decided to participate in the Cheez-It Bowl, despite the risk of injury for a non college playoff bowl game. Clemson corners have been a mixed bag on the next level over the last decade, but Booth has all the tools to step into any situation and thrive.
The Clemson corner is a true competitor and displays the alpha mentality to lead an NFL defensive backfield. As a scheme versatile prospect, Booth can line up outside or move inside to the slot when needed. With NFL offense' airing it out more and more every year, a fast cerebral corner who possesses soft hands, long arms and the athletic ability to change outcomes will surely be in demand. Booth can be effective in a zone scheme, but man coverage is where he'll thrive early in the NFL and a Top 20 selection isn't out of the question.
*Games Watched- 9/4/21 vs UGA, 9/25 vs NC State, 10/2 vs Boston Coll, 10/30 vs FSU, 11/6 vs Louisville, 11/20 Wake Forest ,11/27 vs S.Car & 12/29 vs Iowa St (Cheez-It Bowl)
*Team Fits- WFT, SEA, PHI, IND, KC, CAR, HOU, NYG, NYJ, DAL, DET, LAR, CLEV, CIN,
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