Mock Draft Roundup: Alabama Offensive Guard Becomes Trendy Lions Target
As the Detroit Lions continue their offseason preparations following an exciting and promising 2023 season, the NFL Draft has become a focal point for the team’s front office. After their impressive 9-8 finish, which saw them narrowly miss the playoffs, the Lions are poised to make a deeper run in 2024. To do so, strengthening the roster in critical areas, particularly along the offensive line, will be paramount. This brings us to one of the most intriguing prospects in the upcoming draft: Alabama offensive guard Tyler Booker.
Booker, a dynamic and versatile offensive lineman, has quickly become a trendy target for the Lions in several mock drafts. His combination of size, skill, and leadership make him an ideal fit for Detroit’s up-and-coming offensive line. In this article, we dive into why Tyler Booker has become a favorite among draft analysts, examine his potential fit with the Lions, and look at the team’s needs heading into the draft.
The Detroit Lions’ Current Offensive Line Situation
Before we dive into Tyler Booker’s strengths and how he would fit in Detroit, it’s important to understand where the Lions currently stand in terms of their offensive line. Under the leadership of head coach Dan Campbell and offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, the Lions have built one of the most formidable offensive lines in the NFL, and the unit is expected to be a key component of their success moving forward.
At the core of the line are players like Penei Sewell, a 2021 first-round pick who has quickly become one of the league’s premier tackles, and Frank Ragnow, a Pro Bowl-caliber center. These two players, along with talented interior linemen like Jonah Jackson and Halapoulivaati Vaitai, have created a strong foundation for the Lions’ offense.
However, there is one key spot that remains in question: the right guard position. Vaitai, who has been a starter at the position, has struggled with injuries in recent years. His inability to stay on the field has led to inconsistency, making it a position of need for the Lions heading into the 2024 season. While Jackson and Ragnow have been staples of the interior line, the team could benefit from adding another young, dynamic player to fill the void at right guard.
This is where Tyler Booker enters the conversation.
Tyler Booker: The Prospect
Tyler Booker is widely regarded as one of the top interior offensive linemen in the 2024 NFL Draft. Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 320 pounds, Booker brings the ideal combination of size, athleticism, and strength that NFL teams covet in offensive line prospects. A staple of the Alabama offensive line, Booker’s versatility has stood out throughout his college career. Though he primarily played at guard, Booker has the flexibility to slide into tackle or center, making him an intriguing option for teams like the Lions that value positional versatility.
Booker was a key part of Alabama’s offensive success in 2023, playing an integral role in both the running game and pass protection. His physicality at the point of attack, along with his ability to create lanes for Alabama’s running backs, showcased his elite blocking skills. He also displayed impressive lateral quickness and reaction time when engaging with defenders in space, a crucial attribute for an interior lineman.
What sets Booker apart from other interior linemen in this draft class is his ability to dominate in both the passing and running game. He excels at pulling in run-blocking situations, showcasing his quickness and coordination, while his pass protection remains solid, as he frequently kept defenders from getting to the quarterback. His combination of raw strength, footwork, and technical refinement makes him one of the most well-rounded offensive linemen in the 2024 draft class.
Why Tyler Booker is a Perfect Fit for the Lions
The Lions’ offensive line is already one of the most well-respected units in the NFL, but adding a player like Tyler Booker could elevate it to another level. Here are some reasons why Booker is such a natural fit for the Lions:
1. Filling the Right Guard Spot
The primary reason Tyler Booker has become a trendy target for the Lions is the glaring need at the right guard position. While the team has had some success with Vaitai at the position, his injury struggles have prevented the offensive line from being truly consistent. Bringing in a player like Booker could solidify the interior of the line and help ensure that the Lions don’t miss a beat when it comes to running the football or protecting Jared Goff in the pocket.
Booker’s ability to anchor in the run game and create holes for the Lions’ powerful rushing attack would be a huge asset. The team’s running back room, led by David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs, could benefit immensely from Booker’s strength and physicality as a road-grader in the run game. Having a player who can dominate on the inside will allow the Lions to continue their commitment to establishing a strong ground game, which is a hallmark of Campbell’s philosophy.
2. Versatility and Depth
One of the major advantages of drafting a player like Tyler Booker is his versatility. Though he is primarily a guard, Booker has the ability to slide over to tackle if needed, or even center. This flexibility would allow the Lions to experiment with different line combinations depending on injury or matchups, and it gives them more security should any current starter suffer an injury during the season.
The Lions have already seen the importance of depth on the offensive line, as injuries to players like Taylor Decker and Halapoulivaati Vaitai have forced them to shuffle pieces around in the past. By drafting a versatile player like Booker, the Lions would not only secure a future starter but also add valuable depth to an already strong offensive line.
3. Boosting the Running Game
One of the Lions’ biggest strengths in 2023 was their ability to control the ground game. With Jared Goff playing quarterback, the Lions have a balanced offensive attack that relies heavily on the run to set up play-action passing. A player like Booker, who excels in creating running lanes and moving defenders off the ball, would give the Lions an even more powerful running game in 2024. His ability to block in space and lead pull-blocking assignments would complement the team’s existing schemes.
4. Long-Term Solution
Tyler Booker is not just a plug-and-play option for the Lions, but also a long-term solution to their offensive line needs. As Penei Sewell and Jonah Jackson have proven to be foundational pieces, adding another young star to the mix would ensure that Detroit’s offensive line remains one of the best in the NFL for years to come.
The Lions’ Need for Offensive Line Depth
While the Lions’ offense in 2023 was potent and exciting, it is clear that the team needs to continue adding reinforcements, particularly on the offensive line, to keep the unit elite. The Lions’ offensive success in 2023 was built on a dominant running game and solid pass protection, which helped to mask some of the issues that arose when Goff was under pressure. But as the team looks to contend for a playoff spot in 2024 and beyond, they will need to keep improving.
Adding Tyler Booker to the fold would not only address immediate needs but also strengthen the team’s core for years to come. Whether as the starting right guard or as a versatile piece that can move around on the line, Booker’s upside makes him an ideal target for the Lions.
Other Potential Draft Targets for the Lions
While Tyler Booker is a standout candidate, the Lions’ draft strategy in 2024 could focus on several other areas of need. Some analysts suggest that Detroit should look at adding a top-tier defensive prospect or another wide receiver to pair with Amon-Ra St. Brown. However, the need for more depth and youth on the offensive line should not be overlooked.
Other potential options for the Lions include:
- Broderick Jones (Georgia, OT): A talented offensive tackle who could provide more depth at the tackle position if the Lions look to solidify both tackle spots.
- Carter Warren (Pittsburgh, OT): A more developmental project but with the physical tools to become a long-term starter.
- Jalin Hyatt (Tennessee, WR): A potential explosive playmaker on the outside if the Lions decide to go for a skill player early.