Durant Brooks (Georgia Tech) - 2008 NFL Draft Pick #168 by WAS
What The Experts Thought Before The Draft
Pre-Draft Analysis for Durant Brooks - 2008 NFL Draft
Player Overview:
Durant Brooks was a standout punter from Georgia Tech, known for his strong leg and impressive directional punting skills. His ability to control the ball and place it within the opponent's territory made him a valuable asset for his college team.
Strengths:
- Strong Leg: Brooks demonstrated significant distance on his punts, often surpassing 50 yards.
- Hang Time: He consistently achieved high hang times, allowing coverage teams to get downfield and limit return opportunities.
- Directional Punting: Brooks had the ability to place punts accurately, often pinning opponents deep in their territory.
- Field Awareness: He showed good awareness on the field, making smart decisions under pressure.
Areas for Improvement:
- Consistency: While he had the potential for great distance, there were moments of inconsistency in his performance.
- Kickoff Abilities: His kickoff skills were not as refined as his punting, which could limit his versatility on special teams.
- Pressure Situations: There were concerns about how he would handle high-pressure situations in the NFL.
Draft Projection:
Durant Brooks was projected to be one of the top punters available in the 2008 NFL Draft, likely to be selected in the late rounds. Teams looking to bolster their special teams units were particularly interested in his potential.
Conclusion:
Durant Brooks possessed the tools to be an effective NFL punter, with strong leg power and placement abilities. His performance in college at Georgia Tech made him a player to watch during the draft, with the potential to make an immediate impact on special teams.