Raiders Draft Prospect: DE Austin Booker, Kansas

The Las Vegas Raiders are evaluating prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft, determining the best fits for their culture and who will bring them victories.

The NFL Scouting Combine begins next week at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind., a chance for teams to meet and learn about these players on and off the field.

General Manager Tom Telesco will be in attendance to see firsthand which players catch his eye. These players could eventually don the Silver and Black if Telesco likes what he sees.

One of those players could be Kansas defensive end Austin Booker. A transfer from Minnesota, Booker became an All-Conference player with the Jayhawks.

A First-Team All-Big 12 member and Big 12 Defensive Newcomer of the Year in 2023, Booker finished his collegiate career with 58 total tackles, 13 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, a pass defended, and eight sacks. Booker had a good week at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala., which should help improve his draft stock.

What may also improve his draft stock is a good week at the combine. Booker stands at 6-foot-4 and weighs 240 pounds. He may not have the ideal weight to be an NFL defensive end, but he makes up for it with athleticism and quickness.

Booker has a broad base and a slender waist. His lower body is a bit thinner. Based on his stature, he looks like a 4-3 outside linebacker at the next level.