The Washington Commanders are using several of their 30 pre-draft visits on specific positions, such as offensive tackle and defensive end. Outside of Penn State’s Chop Robinson, none of the edge rushers the Commanders are bringing to Ashburn ahead of the 2024 NFL draft are considered potential first-round picks.
Washington general manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn are bringing in players with high-quality athletic traits on visits. The latest is Kansas edge rusher Austin Booker.
According to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network, Booker will visit Washington next week.
Kansas edge Austin Booker — a potential Day 2 draft pick — is visiting the #Panthers today.
Booker has been busy, visiting the #Packers, #Ravens and #Patriots, plus #Colts and #Chiefs local days, and has the #Commanders and #Dolphins next week. pic.twitter.com/JsuXDBAWt9
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) April 10, 2024
After beginning his college career at Minnesota, Booker transferred to Kansas. In his one season with the Jayhawks, the 6-foot-4 1/2, 240-pound Booker played in 12 games with one start and finished with 56 tackles, including 12 for loss and eight sacks. He was named first-team All-Big 12 Conference and was the Big 12 top newcomer.
There was some buzz around Booker entering the NFL combine, where he ran a disappointing 4.79 seconds in the 40-yard dash. The good thing for Booker is teams love his film. He plays much faster than his speedwatch time. However, his lack of overall snaps may concern some. He is extremely raw and could be a boom-or-bust pick.
The Commanders signed Dante Fowler Jr., Dorance Armstrong and Clelin Ferrell this offseason, and re-signed veteran Efe Obada. Washington returns second-year players K.J. Henry and Andre Jones Jr.
Booker is expected to go sometime in the second or, most likely. the third round. The Commanders currently have three third-round picks.
