Fansided

2017 NFL Mock Draft: Wild Card Edition

By Tyler Brooke

Nov 12, 2016; Iowa City, IA, USA; Michigan Wolverines linebacker Jabrill Peppers (5) carries the ball as Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Desmond King (14) defends during the first half at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2016; Iowa City, IA, USA; Michigan Wolverines linebacker Jabrill Peppers (5) carries the ball as Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Desmond King (14) defends during the first half at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
19 of 32
Next
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 /
19

Malik Hooker

S, Ohio State

Chris Conte and Brad McDougald aren’t exactly a dynamic duo in the secondary for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Buccaneers could use a legitimate safety to make plays and give Vernon Hargreaves and the rest of the team’s cornerbacks someone to trust behind them.

Although Ohio State’s Malik Hooker has said that he plans to return to school next season, that could change if the Buckeyes wind up winning the national championship. Hooker has first-round talent written all over him, and that’s not something that he’s going to be overlooking.

Hooker has some of the best ball skills of any defensive back in this draft class and does a great job of reading the quarterback’s eyes to see where the play is going. He has great range with the speed and fluid hips to cover the entire field.

The biggest problem for Hooker is making open-field tackles, which may be why he wants to go back to school. Still, if Hooker declares and he’s available, the Buccaneers probably won’t hesitate to draft him.

Hooker said following Ohio State’s loss to Clemson that he’s uncertain about his future, so I’m keeping him on my mock drafts until he makes a firm decision one way or another.

Home/NFL Draft