At this point, anything is possible for the Kansas City Chiefs ahead of the 2022 NFL Draft. General manager Brett Veach has 12 picks right now, including the 29th and 30th overall selections. While there are several directions the Chiefs could go, one of those first-round selections should be Clemson Tigers cornerback Andrew Booth.
The Dacula, Georgia native appeared in 35 games for the Tigers, making highlight-reel plays in many. He and fellow NFL draft prospect Mario Goodrich locked down their collegiate competition in 2021, both making strong cases for NFL teams. Ultimately, Booth recorded 75 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, 10 pass breakups, and five interceptions during his time at Clemson.
Whenever the ball comes Booth’s way, he is there. Clemson primarily plays zone coverage, but Booth saw several plays one-on-one. He stayed right with any receiver he faced, often making opposing quarterbacks pay for throwing his way.
My new dream draft prospect for the #Bengals: Andrew Booth Jr from Clemson pic.twitter.com/ZcNMTRNZiP
— Kyle Smith (@Kyle_Smith1087) March 22, 2022
Andrew Booth would be the perfect addition for Kansas City Chiefs
Booth has a nose for the ball, in both the passing and rushing game. He establishes the edge quickly, getting backfield pressure on outside runs and screens. He made a key screen stop against Georgia in 2021’s Duke’s May Classic, attacking effectively and quickly. His tape is littered with such plays, no matter the trickery or motion opposing teams put into place.
Also, if Kansas City is looking to shift defensive schemes, Booth would fit right into a new zone-heavy scheme. With many new additions to the Chiefs’ defensive backfield, anything is possible for defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo.
Booth does not rely on the zone scheme only though, as he is capable of defending one-on-one in a two-high look. His man coverage skills will need some work, but that can be expected of most rookies.
Booth received an 84 prospect rating from NFL’s Next Gen Stats, ahead of fellow corners Trent McDuffie and Kaiir Elam. He has the tape to prove his first-round worth, but there are some drawbacks.
His injury history hurts his draft stock significantly. He has recent hamstring and quad injuries, including a sports hernia surgery. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the surgery on Mar. 30, saying Booth is “still is expected to be ready for the start of training camp”.
Another concern is Booth’s lack of experience in press coverage. Kansas City defenders do not play off the ball much, needing skill in press coverage. Booth is not only inexperienced in press coverage but is the least experienced cornerback prospect. According to PFF, Booth only played 39% of career snaps in press coverage. That sounds palatable but is not compared to other prospects’ marks of 50+%.
All in all, first-round selections are expected to make an immediate impact on their team if needed. Booth has some areas to work on, but his reaction and ball skills are things coaches cannot teach. He is worth investing a pick in, especially considering the excess of Chiefs’ picks.
It has been many years since the Chiefs had a premier passing defense. With players such as L’Jarius Sneed, Rashad Fenton, and Juan Thornhill, Booth could be a necessary piece. The unit is already young, cheap, and performing above expectations. Booth fits that mold and could be the best corner this team has seen in many years.