Certain positions are downgraded in importance with pro teams in the NFL Draft. As the league has evolved to be passing-driven, the positions that have been hurt include middle linebacker, safety, running back, and the interior of the offensive line. However, team sources see a guard who is too good to pass on and they believe has a real shot at being a first-round pick next April: Alabama’s Tyler Booker.
“He’s really impressive,” said an AFC director of player personnel. “He’s powerful and strong and regularly generates movement in the ground game. Dependable in pass protection and is said to be a good kid. He probably is a guard only, and that hurts him, but I think someone will end up taking him in the first round.”
Booker has become a dominant performer in his second season as a starter with the Crimson Tide. The 6-foot-5, 325-pound Booker has ideal size to go along with quickness and athleticism. In my latest 2025 NFL Mock Draft, I have Booker going in the back half of the first round, and that sounds like a very likely possibility after speaking with team sources.
