Through the Phog
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Kansas football fans will definitely see these 3 players compete in the NFL

By Joshua Schulman

LAWRENCE, KANSAS - SEPTEMBER 1: Devin Neal #4 of the Kansas Jayhawks celebrates his touchdown run with Dominick Puni #67 of the Kansas Jayhawks against the Missouri State Bears at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium on September 1, 2023 in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images)
LAWRENCE, KANSAS - SEPTEMBER 1: Devin Neal #4 of the Kansas Jayhawks celebrates his touchdown run with Dominick Puni #67 of the Kansas Jayhawks against the Missouri State Bears at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium on September 1, 2023 in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images) /
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STILLWATER, OK – OCTOBER 14: Linebacker JB Brown #28 and defensive lineman Austin Booker #9 of the Kansas Jayhawks stop running back Jaden Nixon #3 of the Oklahoma State Cowboys with a short gain in the fourth quarter at Boone Pickens Stadium on October 14, 2023 in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Oklahoma State won 39-32. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
STILLWATER, OK – OCTOBER 14: Linebacker JB Brown #28 and defensive lineman Austin Booker #9 of the Kansas Jayhawks stop running back Jaden Nixon #3 of the Oklahoma State Cowboys with a short gain in the fourth quarter at Boone Pickens Stadium on October 14, 2023 in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Oklahoma State won 39-32. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images) /

3. Austin Booker

Booker has emerged as the top defensive lineman for Kansas, filling the void that Lonnie Phelps left when he departed for the league. After transferring in from Minnesota this offseason, the edge rusher has recorded 38 tackles (nine TFL). Additionally, his six sacks rank fourth in the Big 12.

Although he had hardly played at the collegiate level prior to arriving in Lawrence, it didn’t take long for him to make an impact with defensive ends coach Taiwo Onatolu’s unit. He is explosive off the edge and has become more of a factor in run defense as the season has progressed.

At 6-foot-6, 245 pounds, Booker owns elite traits that could take him to tremendous heights in the NFL. He is extremely athletic and has carved out a future for himself at the next level with his tremendous showings in 2023.

If he would like to, he can enter the NFL Draft following the conclusion of this year. However, it would be wise for him to wait another season so he can rise in pre-draft rankings. I think he will only last one more year at KU, and if he continues to dominate, we could see him landing in the top 100.

NFL Draft Projection: Mid 3rd-to-Late-5th Round Pick (2024)

Next. Big 12 Football Power Rankings after CFB Week 10. dark

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