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Clemson football: Will Andrew Booth, Jr. be 16th first rounder under Swinney?

By Marty Coleman

Clemson cornerback Andrew Booth Jr. (23) reacts after tackling Georgia Tech freshman Jahmyr Gibbs (1) during the fourth quarter in Clemson, S.C., September 18, 2021.Ncaa Football Georgia Tech At Clemson
Clemson cornerback Andrew Booth Jr. (23) reacts after tackling Georgia Tech freshman Jahmyr Gibbs (1) during the fourth quarter in Clemson, S.C., September 18, 2021.Ncaa Football Georgia Tech At Clemson /
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With the NFL draft commencing on Thursday, it appears almost certain that Andrew Booth, Jr. will become the sixteenth first rounder from Clemson football in the Dabo Swinney era.

Booth, Jr. was not in the first round of every mock I saw, but he was in the vast majority of them, generally somewhere in the 20-30 range.

Booth, Jr. represents the only real chance of a Clemson Tiger going in the first round of this year’s NFL draft unless there’s a seismic shock somewhere along the line, but that’s not likely to happen.

Though Booth, Jr. played in only 25 games at Clemson, he made his presence felt,totalling 68 total tackles, 6 tackles for loss, one sack and 9 passes defensed and 5 interceptions.

Most talent evaluators rank Booth, Jr. as the third best cornerback in the draft behind Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner of Cincinnati and Derek Stingley, Jr. of LSU, but it all depends on the needs of teams, the order they’re picking and, of course, trades that may or may not happen.

Cornerback is a premium position in the NFL and this puts Booth in a situation to make a name for himself on the next level if he’s successful.

The 6’0, 200 pound Booth, Jr.  attended Archer High School in Lawrenceville, Georgia before committing to Clemson as the nation’s number 2 ranked cornerback and 23rd ranked player overall.

The scouting report from 247.com on Booth, Jr. by Charles Power pretty much nailed it:

"Has excellent ball skills for a corner prospect and shows that he can win in contested situations by attacking the ball at its highest point. Physical tackler and plays with an edge. Uses his long arms to his advantage as a space tackler as well as in coverage. Few weaknesses, but can continue honing his technique with increased reps at corner at the next level. Projects as a multi-year Power 5 starter with all-league potential. Could develop into a first-round NFL draft selection."

Despite four Tigers being invited to the NFL combine, Booth, Jr. is the only Tiger projected to be drafted in the top three rounds.

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