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2017 NFL Mock Draft: Dalvin Cook makes his case

By Brad Weiss

Nov 19, 2016; Syracuse, NY, USA; Florida State Seminoles running back Dalvin Cook (4) carries the ball during the first quarter of a game against the Syracuse Orange at the Carrier Dome. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 19, 2016; Syracuse, NY, USA; Florida State Seminoles running back Dalvin Cook (4) carries the ball during the first quarter of a game against the Syracuse Orange at the Carrier Dome. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 5, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Denzel Ward (12) tips the pass intended for Nebraska Cornhuskers wide receiver Bryan Reimers (83) and was intercepted by Buckeyes safety Malik Hooker (24) during the second half against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 5, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Denzel Ward (12) tips the pass intended for Nebraska Cornhuskers wide receiver Bryan Reimers (83) and was intercepted by Buckeyes safety Malik Hooker (24) during the second half against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports /

. S. Ohio State. Malik Hooker. 25. player. 10

The Houston Texans made the decision this past offseason to bring in a new quarterback and running back, signing Brock Osweiler and Lamar Miller to high-money deals. The deal has not paid off, as Osweiler has been terrible, and Miller has not been used correctly. Come draft day, the Texans are likely to bolster their defensive secondary, as Osweiler and the rest of the offense will likely get at least another year to gel.

The thing is, the Texans are actually in first place in the AFC South, all the while doing it without their best player. J.J. Watt will miss the entire season, and he may not come back as the same player next year. The AFC South is full of good young quarterbacks, so it would make sense for the team to get as many good defensive backs as they can going forward. Houston has to face Marcus Mariota or Andrew Luck during a quarter of their schedule every year, so Hooker should be the play this late in the first round.

Hooker of the Ohio State Buckeyes is a fantastic safety, who would be a starter for the Texans from day one. He does a nice job in coverage, using his incredible athleticism to make up ground when he does make a mistake. Hooker also is very good at coming up and delivering big hits, which is something the Texans are lacking right now in their secondary.

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