New York Jets full 2019 NFL mock draft
By Joe Romano
Round 4 – Pick 105
Amani Hooker, CB, Iowa
The Jets went out last year and addressed the corner position with big money thrown at Trumaine Johnson. They also signed Morris Claiborne to pair with him. Claiborne is now a free agent and Johnson could use some help. Darryl Roberts will be back and in line to win the starting spot. However the team could use depth and talent at the positoin.
Amani Hooker of Iowa is a player that leaves evalutors puzzled. Some think he is the next Desmond King. King was a fellow Iowa Hawkeye who had bad athletic testing but has been very impressive in the NFL with the Chargers. Like King, Hooker is a limited athlete who played all over the Iowa defense. While he may find his best fit as an in-box corner/safety hybrid there is no doubt he can play.
Very few defensive backs have the IQ and instincts Hooker is bringing to the table. His ability to diagnose routes and make plays on the ball is special. Unfortunately he looked like a limited athlete on tape. He worked hard to push back on that narrative and actually had a decent showing at the combine. Teams can live with a 4.48 40-yard dash and solid agility testing if you bring the mental side of the game like Hooker does. This is the kind of player that a smart team takes and maximizes his ability. With the safety duo of Maye and Adams, Hooker could a corner/safety hybrid and dominate in that role.