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2017 NFL Mock Draft: Free agency provides shakeup

By Brad Weiss

December 31, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Clemson Tigers wide receiver Mike Williams (7) against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the the 2016 CFP semifinal at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
December 31, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Clemson Tigers wide receiver Mike Williams (7) against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the the 2016 CFP semifinal at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-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 /
7

Malik Hooker

S, Ohio State

As the Chargers make the move to Los Angeles this offseason, they have to be happy with the moves they are making in free agency. The team recently upgraded at the left tackle position, inking former Denver Broncos tackle Russell Okung to a big contract to replace King Dunlap. Los Angeles also placed the franchise tag on Melvin Ingram, as they made sure their good, young defense would remain in tact for next season.

Ever since Eric Weddle left for Baltimore, the safety position has been a place of weakness for the lightning bolts. Weddle brought an intensity to the position that could not be replaced, though the 2017 NFL Draft could bring a player with more talent than Weddle. Malik Hooker will have to battle back from a couple of surgeries this offseason, but he should be ready to go when the Chargers open up their season in September.

Hooker is a physical beast, and despite the fact that the Chargers brought back Jahleel Addae, the position is still a weakness. The AFC West is going to be a tough division to navigate in 2017, and if the Chargers cannot stop the pass, they could find themselves back in the cellar by seasons’ end. Hooker is our 4-to-6 months with surgeries on a torn labrum and a hernia, but if he comes back at 100 percent, the Chargers secondary goes from a weakness, to a strength for the 2017 NFL season.

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