The preparation for the 2022 NFL Draft may not feature too many Bowling Green Falcons in your everyday scouting reports. However, here at Pro Football Network, we’ve gone through every roster and every potential player you may hear come April’s draft. That includes BGSU defensive lineman Karl Brooks.
As the corner turns for Bowling Green, so may their prospects at the NFL level. Brooks headlines the cast of eligible players as you could even consider him underrated. Here is the full scouting report for Brooks with eyes towards the 2022 NFL Draft.
Bowling Green 2022 NFL Draft Scouting Reports
Brooks had a career year in 2021, recording 6.5 sacks and 41 total tackles, both of which were career-high marks. Over his four-year career, Brooks totaled 16.5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 1 interception, and 96 total tackles. He was a productive interior defensive lineman on a defense that featured an incredibly gifted set of linebackers who routinely made plays at or behind the line of scrimmage.
Darren Anders and Davon Ferguson are also names to know, but both are likely to return to college football in 2022. For now, we focus solely on Brooks.
Devin Taylor, DB
Positives: Well-traveled defensive back who can be used at cornerback or safety. Shows a lot of athleticism in his game, keeps the action in front of him, and remains disciplined with assignments. Tracks the pass in the air, displays a nice move to the throw, and possesses good hands for the interception.
Quick flipping his hips in transition, immediately alters his angle of attack, and displays a closing burst. Plays faster than his 40 time. Gives effort defending the run and wraps up ball handlers.
Negatives: Turned in marginal ball production at Bowling Green last season when he played cornerback. Cannot stay on the receiver’s hip out of breaks. Deep speed is a concern.
Analysis: Taylor has flashed ability the past two seasons and should get consideration in a zone system where he can face the action.
DL Karl Brooks
Positives: Underrated defensive lineman with the size and athleticism to play at the next level. Bends his knees, plays with excellent pad level, and moves well for a 285-pound lineman. Consistently gets leverage on opponents, shows power in his lower body, and bull rushes blockers off the line of scrimmage. Fires off the snap with a quick first step, effectively uses his hands, and nicely redirects to the action. Immediately alters his angle of attack, rarely gets knocked off his feet, and slices between blocks to penetrate the line of scrimmage.
Negatives: Struggles against the run. Easily out-positioned or knocked from his angle of attack by a single blocker.
Analysis: Brooks is coming off a career campaign in which he was a constant nuisance to opponents. He must improve his overall playing strength and add bulk to his frame. Nevertheless, Brooks comes with a large upside and can play in a variety of schemes.