Scouting Profile: Tyler Booker - IOL - Alabama
Sales Pitch: Broad powerful lineman with a good pass pro floor. Average athlete in space but displays the ideal temperament and power for a gap scheme guard.
*Gold Numbers Indicate NCAA Top-25 for 2024*
*Red Numbers Indicate NCAA Bottom-25 for 2024*
Scouting Report
Tyler Booker is a former 5-Star offensive tackle from the state of Florida. He was a three year contributor and two year starter during his time at Alabama, closing out his career with 25 straight starts at LG. Booker was a two time 1st Team All-SEC honoree and a 2nd Team All-American in 2024, a season in which he allowed 0 sacks.
Booker has elite size and length for the position with a broad powerful frame. He displays the aggression and power offensive line coaches drool over. He is at his best as a gap scheme blocker where he has the strength to cave down defensive lines on base and down blocks. Booker has strong hands as a grappler with the grip strength to control and steer defenders. His powerful punches allow him to throw lineman aside on double teams as he climbs to 2nd level linebackers. In pass protection he plays wide base that is difficult to get around when he is square. Booker shows active hands that quickly work to reset if his initial punch misses. Even when rushers are able to beat him upfield, he has the length and strike power to ride them wide of his quarterback. His awareness in pass pro is a testament to his experience at the position. Booker does an excellent job keeping his head on a swivel, even when engaged, looking for work. His powerful chest and thick base set a firm anchor versus bull rushers. He also displays the core strength and bend to take on contact and hold his ground.
Booker is an average athlete for the position, often laboring to get to and execute blocks in space. He lacks the quickness to get his head across and seal on reach blocks if he doesn’t start with leverage. He does not project well to a zone heavy run scheme as a result. Booker will have to improve his footwork to compensate for his lack of foot speed. He can struggle sustain blocks because he cannot always get around and seal his mark. He also has a long first step out of his stance, which results in far too many whiffs versus quicker lineman. Booker had an excellent year in pass protection in 2024, but has struggled with speed rushers in the past. He lacks the redirect ability to slam shut gaps when he oversets. Top flight speed rushers on the interior may give him problems at the next level.
Booker profiles as starting guard who best fits in a gap run scheme. His size, strength and experience should lend to immediate starting ability. He won’t be a fit for every teams offense but still projects as a Top-40 pick for his gap run blocking and pass protection skills.