The Houston Texans have finally addressed the defensive line in the fifth round.
An area that’s needed a bigger revamp than most, the Houston Texans knew they needed to get a fresh face to the position group. Enter Stanford’s Thomas Booker at the 150th overall pick, a former college teammate of Davis Mills.
A team captain and an All Pac-12 Second-team selection his senior season, Booker logged 159 total tackles, with 20.5 for loss. Thomas also had 9.5 sacks and one interception during his freshman season.
Booker had a lengthy interview with Brett Kollman of Bootleg Football on YouTube, and that can be seen here. Booker is one of the most intelligent linemen in the draft, and his talents don’t stop there.
A 6’3″, 301-pound defensive tackle, Booker plays with scrappy hands and excellent pad level. Booker keeps offensive linemen from getting to his numbers, keeping separation. Booker will need to work on building some size to help him not be bullied in the run game.
Grading the Thomas Booker pick for the Houston Texans
This would be a higher grade if Booker had a little more strength in run defense. However, that’s something that can easily be built up with the Texans’ strength coach. Booker also isn’t getting any help from the other draft picks so far to make this grade improve.
Booker will most likely be a rotational player for the first few years of his career and then finally break into the starting lineup. This is more depth behind Maliek Collins on the Texans’ defensive line.
There are still a few picks left for the Texans, and we’ll see how they help Booker’s first few seasons with the team. But for now, welcome to Houston, Mr. Booker; we’re happy to have you in the deep steel blue!