Indianapolis Colts select Malik Hooker
With the 15th-overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, the Indianapolis Colts selected Malik Hooker out of Ohio State University.
Hooker is one of the best safety prospects to come out in some time. The Ohio State Buckeyes standout was part of perhaps the best secondary in the land, featuring a trio of studs in Gareon Conley, Marshon Lattimore and Hooker.
Everything about the film says Hooker is going to be a star in the form of Earl Thomas, a single-high safety who can get across the field with ease. Hooker has been well-coached by Urban Meyer and his staff, something that’s going to serve him well as a base for the next level.
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 206
40-time: N/A
Bench: N/A
Vertical: N/A
Broad: N/A
3-cone: N/A
While Hooker didn’t work out at the combine due to injury, there are few doubts about his athleticism. At his pro day, Hooker was solid, bringing no reason for red flags. While no prospect is a sure thing (despite rampant speculation otherwise), Hooker appears to have the floor of a very good safety and the ceiling of an elite one.
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He will immediately become a starter and should be able to contribute against both the run and pass. While he had limited experience at Ohio State as a one-year starter, the tape says a transition to the NFL should go smoothly. In his only year as a starter, the former Buckeye garnered first-team Big Ten and first-team All-America honors.