2023 Senior Bowl Scouting Notes: DE Karl Brooks, Bowling Green

Karl Brooks came out of high school as a linebacker, weighing just 220 pounds, in 2018. Since then, he’s added 80 pounds and became a five-season starter. Brooks leaves the Falcons with 48 career starts, and didn’t miss a game (outside of the covid season) as a Falcon. He ends his career with 30 career sacks, and projects best as a 3-tech who offers some versatility as a five-tech. Think of a Brandon Graham-type prospect – that’s who Karl Brooks is.

Karl Brooks

3-4 DE – Bowling Green Falcons

HT: 6031
WT: 300
Year: Super Senior
High School: Sexton (Lansing, MI)
Rating: 3-star (80)

Projected Draft Grade: Immediate Impact Rotation

Projection: 3rd/4th Round

Bowling Green ED Karl Brooks—6040, 300-pounds is an impressive & intriguing prospect.

He’s more fluid, flexible, & explosive than expected. Standing up & using the rush moves in his bag were eye opening.

47 hurries & 12 sacks this season!pic.twitter.com/Ygr3mN6upb
— Full-Time Dame 💰 (@DP_NFL) November 25, 2022

Karl Brooks scouting notes

Pros:

Good speed. Very athletic, moves very well. Very rangy. Chases plays around the field.
Solid upper body. Does a good job using power.
Good first step.
Demanded double teams in the MAC.
Can react and use his hands well to disrupt passing lanes.
Very strong hands. Excellent power in his arms, shows a nice stiff arm.
Excellent wrap up tackler. Very strong and powerful finisher. Vicious in ripping the ball out.
Very solid instincts. Makes a lot of heady plays.
Very solid pass rusher. Was remarkably consistent in the MAC in 2022.

Cons:

Doesn’t have great hand placement. Still developing that part of his game.
Not a great pursuit defender.
Might need a year to adjust entirely to the NFL speed coming from the MAC level.