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2017 NFL Mock Draft: Mitch Trubisky, DeShone Kizer on the rise

By Brad Weiss

Nov 12, 2016; Fayetteville, AR, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) runs for a large gain after a reception during the first quarter of the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2016; Fayetteville, AR, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) runs for a large gain after a reception during the first quarter of the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-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
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 /

18. player. 48. . S. Ohio State. Malik Hooker

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers made a nice run this season, the second with Jameis Winston under center. Winston has been well worth the No. 1 overall selection the team took him with back in 2015, as he has established himself as a leader on the team. No longer is Winston considered a problem child, and he now has the Bucs on the doorstep of being a perennial playoff contender with his solid play.

While Tampa Bay definitely has some question marks, including what to do with star running back Doug Martin as they head into next season, they need help in the defensive secondary. The safety unit for the Bucs just is not up to par with the rest of the defense, and playing in the NFC South, they need that position to be solid. Four times a year the Bucs go up against either Matt Ryan or Drew Brees, so they need to upgrade the safety spot before next season.

Enter Malik Hooker, who, behind Jamal Adams, is the No. 2 safety in this draft. I really like Hooker, as he has the ability to change a game with his wildman mentality out on the field. He is very solid coming up against the run, and he has the athletic ability to make mistakes dissapear in coverage. He would be a perfect fit for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, as they look to continue their upward trend in the pecking order in the NFL.

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