|
Lorenzo Booker was the top running back prospect in the country when
he entered Florida State in the fall of 2002 after becoming the
all-time leading rusher in California prep football history. While
his career at Florida State did not meet those expectations, Booker
possesses all of the qualities needed for a successful career in the
NFL.
The versatility Booker offers is difficult to find, as he can rush
the ball, catch passes, and return kicks. He has homerun potential
whenever he touches the ball, due to his terrific acceleration and
elusiveness. When Booker gets to the outside, opposing defenders
will have a difficult time bringing him down.
Booker has the route running skills and hands to immediately
contribute as a third down back in the NFL. Booker can also use his
quickness and moves on returning kicks, where he should provide
instant value.
The NFL is evolving, with offensive minded coaches willing to use
whatever weapons they have to attack the defense. A player like
Booker is a valuable weapon to have, and in the right system, he
will be able to pressure the defense with his blend of speed,
elusiveness, and pass catching ability.
Darius Walker is not a bad player, but he has no special qualities.
Where Booker possesses outstanding speed and can make players miss,
plus good hands, Walker is just a workman like back that will never
contribute at a high level. Walker does not have top end speed and
can not make people miss, yet he lacks the strength to run over
defenders.
Much is made about Walker’s success at Notre Dame, but other backs
that have put up even better numbers in college and failed in the
pros, because like Walker, they did not have any outstanding skills.
While Walker compares to players like Ciatrack Fason or Jonathan
Wells, Booker’s playmaking ability is like a Brian Westbrook or
Maurice Jones-Drew – if you get him the ball, good things will
happen.
The NFL is about players showcasing elite talents. Booker has elite
talent in several areas, while Walker is lacking elite talent in
any. If Booker goes to a team that can utilize his talents
effectively, he will have a long and productive career in the NFL.
|
In recent draft history, many running backs have been selected in
the second round or later in the NFL Draft, and have some success.
Many times it is the running back prospects that are unheralded that
have success, whether it is immediate or eventual. I believe the
next post-first round RB prospect to have success in the National
Football League will be Darius Walker, out of the University of
Notre Dame.
Walker had the significant advantage of playing in an offense that
was NFL oriented and not only stressed the ability to run the
football, but also stressed pass blocking and catching the football
out of the backfield, evidenced by the 100 receptions Darius Walker
accumulated in the past two seasons combined. The Notre Dame pro
style offense will allow for a smooth transition for Walker into the
NFL, so I believe Walker will have success in the NFL, sooner rather
than later.
Darius Walker is 5’10 and 210 pounds, so he has the size to take the
pounding that is a requirement to be a RB in the National Football
League. He has the ability to run inside and to the outside. A
well-rounded RB prospect that will most assuredly impress the scouts
in Indianapolis during the Scouting Combine as it is my contention
that he will run a 40 time even faster than the time that is being
speculated and elevate his status even higher.
My opposition in this case is taking another RB prospect Lorenzo
Booker to be the better RB. Booker is talented, but his career at
Florida State was the definition of inconsistent. Darius Walker
actually gained more rushing yards this past year in his junior
campaign then Lorenzo Booker rushed for in his junior season AND
senior season COMBINED! Walker also outweighs Booker by a solid 15
pounds without losing any explosiveness. This fact among many others
makes Walker a more solid prospect to carry the load at the next
level.
To conclude the argument, I must first point out that I like Lorenzo
Booker as a RB prospect, just not as much as Darius Walker. Walker
has all the tools and athletic ability to succeed in the National
Football League. Working in a pro style offense also assists the
transition from the college ranks to the pros. Many expect to hear
Darius Walkers name come off the board in round two or three. Few
expect him to contribute and contribute soon. Count me as one of the
few. |
