A name to keep in mind as the 2022 NFL draft is concerned for the Buffalo Bills is cornerback Andrew Booth Jr. from Clemson.
Since the end of the regular season, Booth’s name has been mocked to the Bills several times. Now we can add one of the top names in the draft business to the list of analysts that think Booth to Buffalo could be a reality.
ESPN NFL draft insider Todd McShay released his post-Super Bowl mock draft. In it, the Bills select the Clemson defensive back at No. 25 overall.
In his explanation, McShay cites the reality of the Bills’ situation at cornerback. Depth might be tested going forward:
25. Buffalo Bills
Andrew Booth Jr., CB, ClemsonThe Bills’ depth issues at cornerback were made very clear once Tre’Davious White got injured. Things aren’t about to get better, either, with Levi Wallace hitting the open market. If Buffalo can find a solid CB2 opposite White, with Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde patrolling at safety, the secondary would be downright scary. Booth is a press corner with a smooth backpedal and great ball skills, but he can play off-man and zone, too. He picked off three passes in 2021 for the Tigers and would fit in nicely with a team ready to win a Super Bowl.
Regarding Buffalo’s cornerback position, there are added layers of uncertainty that most teams don’t often have to deal with, especially when their pass defense was the NFL’s best the year prior. There’s White’s injury. He could be fine by opening day in 2022 or he might need more time to get back to 100 percent.
In addition, Levi Wallace’s situation could go either way. Buffalo’s No. 2 cornerback opposite White last season, he’s a pending free agent. In reality, the Bills could re-sign Wallace and still take a guy like Booth.
Dane Jackson is also a depth piece to consider, but Buffalo rolled with five cornerbacks for most of last season. That number also included Taron Johnson, who is strictly a slot cornerback.
If White is limited in his role at the start of next season, having more than five could be crucial for the Bills.
Regarding Booth, along with his ballhawk mentality, Buffalo’s coaching staff would probably like Booth’s size as well. At 6-foot tall, Booth has solid size for the pro game.
[lawrence-related id=97402,97352,97387]