4 biggest injury-risk targets for Commanders in 2022 NFL Draft

2. Andrew Booth Jr.

Like Ojabo, any team that drafts Andrew Booth next month will have to wait longer than anticipated to see the talented cornerback take the field. The Clemson product opted out of the Combine citing a quad injury, which already triggered concerns, but it was later reported he underwent sports hernia surgery.

The good news is doctors expect Booth to be cleared for the start of training camp, but sports hernia surgery is a tricky operation. The hope is his rookie season won’t be fully derailed, but it’s never ideal when an incoming draftee misses voluntary workouts, mandatory minicamp and some of training camp.

While Booth’s tape is impressive and indicative of a first-round prospect, he’s now had upper body, hamstring, quad and sports hernia injuries since the start of his junior season in September. The latter injury is the first of the serious variety, but Booth’s tendency to get banged up could scare some teams off.

In a perfect world, teams in need of cornerback help (like Washington) wouldn’t draft a highly-touted prospect coming off surgery. Booth’s talent and versatility likely won’t see his stock fall that much, if at all, but his recent operation is definitely something the Commanders should monitor leading up to draft night.