Karl Brooks 

Player Bio
Brooks was an All-Michigan pick at J.W. Sexton High School and signed with Bowling Green for 2018. He led the team in sacks in four of his five years on campus, including his freshman (32 tackles, 4.5 for loss with 3.5 sacks in 12 games, eight starts) and sophomore seasons (33 tackles, 8.5 for loss with 4.5 sacks, one interception, two forced fumbles in 12 starts). Brooks then started three games in the team's shortened 2020 campaign (10 tackles, 2.5 for loss with two sacks), the one season he didn't top the Falcons in tackling the quarterback. He earned his first All-MAC recognition in 2021, landing on the third team (42 tackles, 12.5 for loss with 7.5 sacks in 12 starts). Brooks was a first-team selection in 2022, starting all 13 games and posting 50 tackles including 18 tackles for loss (tying for 10th nationally) and 10 sacks along with four pass breakups and two forced fumbles. -- by Chad Reuter

Overview
The inclination to shrug off Brooks’ production based on level of competition -- or because of questions about his positional fit -- might be a mistake. Brooks’ snap quickness, footwork, hand usage and motor are all translatable play qualities. His movement and counters are intuitive, allowing for quick access into the backfield. Against the pass, he frequently beat tackles as a bull rusher off the edge. Brooks has the size of a three-technique but the versatility and athleticism to move around a defensive front. He flashes disruptive, three-down talent as a future starter in a one-gap scheme.

Strengths
Two-time team captain with 48 career starts.
Explosive production in major categories.
Winning first-step quickness sets the tone.
Sets up rush moves with angles and hand usage.
Comes forward with a high level of urgency and activity.
Possesses plus burst to close in short spaces.
Gets sudden wins with slap-and-slide technique.
Reads and mirrors blocker’s stretch steps to beat the block.
Plays with unified hands and feet.

Weaknesses
Build carries shorter arms with smallish hands.
Could struggle shedding blocks quickly enough.
Below average force to neutralize drive power.
Gets pads turned through contact.

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The Enagbare comparison seems apt. Neither guy is a RAS freak but play physical, good hand usage and always moving towards the ball.

For what it's worth, Mike Daniels is impressed

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