NFL Mock Draft: Week 14

By Brad Weiss | Dec 7, 2016

Dec 3, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Florida Gators quarterback Austin Appleby (12) is tackled by Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93) during the second quarter of the SEC Championship college football game at Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

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Oct 8, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes safety Malik Hooker (24) returns the interception during the second half against the Indiana Hoosiers at Ohio Stadium. The Buckeyes won 38-17. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports /

23. player. 45. . S. Ohio State. Malik Hooker

The Denver Broncos once again have one of the best defenses in the league, but that does not mean that the rich cannot get richer. The team needs some help at the safety positions, as their secondary is starting to creep up there in age. Bringing in someone to inject some youth into the group is only going to help a team who needs to shut people down due to their inefficiency on the offensive side of the ball.

Denver should look to bring in a safety who can make plays. That player is Malik Hooker, who behind Jamal Adams, is the second-best safety in this draft. Not only is Hooker a solid player, but he has the kind of attitude and work ethic needed to succeed in a team that is led by head coach Gary Kubiak. Hooker has earned everything he has gotten at Ohio State, and it is time for him to begin to dominate at the next level.

During his time at Ohio State, Hooker has been a hawk in the defensive secondary, leading the Buckeyes to the College Football Playoff twice. Not only does he have soft hands, but he is a bruiser when it comes to making plays in the run game. He is so athletic that he can break back on balls after making a mistake, which is going to make him very hard to beat at the next level. The Broncos need to keep adding to their defense, and Hooker could make an instant impact.

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