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2017 NFL Combine: 10 Players to Watch

By John Buhler

Nov 5, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) before a game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 5, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) before a game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 3, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes safety Malik Hooker (24) returns his second interception during the second half against the Bowling Green Falcons at Ohio Stadium. The Buckeyes won 77-10. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 3, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes safety Malik Hooker (24) returns his second interception during the second half against the Bowling Green Falcons at Ohio Stadium. The Buckeyes won 77-10. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports /
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Malik Hooker

Safety, Ohio State Buckeyes

One player could be looking at having a very dynamic NFL Scouting Combine is Ohio State Buckeyes safety Malik Hooker. While the cornerbacks in this year’s draft aren’t on the same level as last year’s, the safeties look to be absolutely incredible.

Two guys could go in the top-12. LSU’s Jamal Adams may be more of the sure thing, but with Hooker an NFL team may be getting this generation’s version of Ed Reed. Whomever gets the next Reed in their secondary will have an all-time great defense.

Hooker was a bit of a one-year wonder at Ohio State, but the guy seems to have the best ball skills of a safety entering the draft since arguably Reed. Adams is a little more of that Jalen Ramsey type of defensive back, overall technically sound. The high upside with Hooker should have teams needing a boost in the secondary chomping at the bit to draft him.

Of any of the players in the secondary attending the combine, Hooker could do the most for his already impressive brand. The upside with Hooker is there, but so is the uncertainty. Let’s see what this kid’s got at this year’s combine.

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