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NFL Draft 2017: Top target for each team

By John Buhler

Oct 29, 2016; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback DeShone Kizer (14) looks to throw in the first quarter against the Miami Hurricanes at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 29, 2016; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback DeShone Kizer (14) looks to throw in the first quarter against the Miami Hurricanes at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-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 /

Jacksonville Jaguars: Malik Hooker

The Jacksonville Jaguars are in a weird spot with the No. 4 overall pick. They really need a left tackle more than anything, but there is no reason for Jacksonville to reach and take Cam Robinson of the Alabama Crimson Tide with the No. 4 overall selection. It is a terrifyingly weak offensive line class, so Jacksonville could trade back to solve its tackle issues.

However should the Jaguars stay at No. 4, they can go one of three ways: edge, running back or safety. Stanford Cardinals defensive end Solomon Thomas could be the pick if available or Jacksonville may take its foot off the gas with amplifying its pass rush in round one. LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette would be a sexy pick at No. 4, but he’s not going to be as productive of a player in the NFL as people want him to be.

It’s a bit contrarian, but Jacksonville should look to pair defensive back Jalen Ramsey with another blue-chipper by taking Ohio State Buckeyes safety Malik Hooker at No. 4. Not since Ed Reed played for the Miami Hurricanes has college football seen a safety with this level of ball skills. Hooker had seven interceptions for the Buckeyes in his redshirt sophomore season in 2016.

Since he might be the next Reed, it would be worthwhile for the Jaguars to take a gamble on him. As a rookie, Hooker would get to play alongside Ramsey, A.J. Bouye and Barry Church. Jacksonville could have one of the best secondaries in the NFL almost overnight.

The biggest criticism of Hooker is his lack of playing time. He only appeared in 19 games over two seasons in Columbus for the Buckeyes. Hooker feels like a boom or bust pick at No. 4. Frankly, Jacksonville needs a big win, even if it comes at the risk of big loss. Hooker could thrive in a specialized role with the 2017 Jaguars defense before taking on a bigger role in 2018 as a second-year player.

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