Colts strengthen secondary with ball-hawk S Malik Hooker
The Indianapolis Colts have selected safety Malik Hooker out of Ohio State with the 15th pick in the 2017 NFL Draft.
Hooker was projected as a top-10 pick by most mock drafts, so the Colts have to be thrilled that he dropped to them.
The Buckeyes star has drawn comparisons to Ed Reed with his ability to force turnovers from the safety position, and is as good a prospect in recent years at flying sideline-to-sideline.
The Colts ranked 27th last season in passing defense and only forced eight interceptions, second-lowest in the NFL, so Hooker's addition fills a massive weakness for the club.
The 6-foot-1, 206-pounder had seven interceptions in 13 games during his final season at Ohio State and returned three for touchdowns.
Malik Hooker Bio
Position: S
School: Ohio State
College Experience: Redshirt Sophomore
Height: 6-1
Weight: 206 lbs.
Strengths
- Makes great reads and quick decisions.
- A ballhawk. Recorded seven interceptions and returned three for touchdowns.
- Rangy with exceptional sideline-to-sideline speed.
- Possesses unique measurables; big hands and impressive wingspan.
Weaknesses
- Only one year as a starter may give some teams pause.
- Underwent surgery on hernia and torn labrum after 2016 season.
- Picked up the game late. Played two years in high school. Could stand to learn more of the game's nuances.
Combine Results
*Did not participate in scouting combine or pro day while recovering from sports hernia and shoulder surgeries.