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2017 NFL Mock Draft: Patrick Mahomes on the rise

By Brad Weiss

Oct 24, 2015; Norman, OK, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders quarterback Patrick Mahomes (5) looks to pass the ball against the Oklahoma Sooners during the fourth quarter at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 24, 2015; Norman, OK, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders quarterback Patrick Mahomes (5) looks to pass the ball against the Oklahoma Sooners during the fourth quarter at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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December 31, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes safety Malik Hooker (24) celebrates after intercepting a pass against the Clemson Tigers during the first half of the the 2016 CFP semifinal at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
December 31, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes safety Malik Hooker (24) celebrates after intercepting a pass against the Clemson Tigers during the first half of the the 2016 CFP semifinal at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
11

Malik Hooker

S, Ohio State

For years, New Orleans Saints fans have been lucky to watch Drew Brees turn into one of the best quarterbacks in the history of the NFL. Unfortunately, Saints fans have also seen their defense turn into a laughing stock. If the Saints want to return to their winning ways, they have to focus on the defense this offseason, and the NFL Draft is a nice place to start.

While the Saints have no problem moving the ball through the air, the defense has a serious issue stopping the ball from flying through the air. Quarterback like Matt Ryan and Cam Newton have been shredding them for years, and they now have a young stud like Jameis Winston in their division as well. Drafting to bolster the secondary has to be a priority this April, and Malik Hooker is as good a safety prospect as there is in this draft.

Hooker has incredible physical gifts, and on an Ohio State defense that was one of the best in the country last year, he was a leader in the secondary. He teamed with guys like Marshon Lattimore to shut down the opposing offense, and the Saints could certainly use a guy who can protect against the pass and run. Hooker is also an incredible ballhawk, who could turn around a unit that is definitely a weakness heading into offseason.

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