NFL teams will have a choice to make. Will they take Malik Hooker of Ohio State or grab LSU’s, Jamal Adams? Both safeties could be the next big thing in the NFL. While Adams has been the “sure pick” by most NFL scouts since his last game at LSU, Hooker has been the person getting more attention as the NFL Draft moves closer. Adams’ speed is attractive. Hooker’s potential to be the best at his position in five years has scouts and general managers drooling.
[DavidL]
At 6-foot-1 and 208 pounds, the projected free safety has a nice size to cover opposing teams’ top pass catchers. He is a solid tackler. Some scouts and experts have compared him to former Baltimore Ravens’ star Ed Reed. If Hooker pans out to be that kind of player, then he could be the best pick of this entire draft in three years.
In this player profile, we will look at the strengths and weaknesses of Hooker as he moves on to the next level. We also include a few teams that will be interested in adding help to their secondary.
Strengths
Malik Hooker is a playmaker, pure and simple. He had 181 yards (25.9 average) and three touchdowns on interception returns in 2016 (had another return for a score called back due to a phantom penalty).
He is an explosive tackler, who will challenge receivers across the middle and has speed to stay stride for stride with pass catchers. Because of his speed, he covers a lot of real estate on a football field.
[Sean2]
Weaknesses
He has very few teaching points. However, his mechanics needs some work. He also, needs to work on angles to the ball. While he is a gifted athlete, he cannot get by on that alone.
Hooker’s aggressive style in the secondary can lead to incorrect guesses. He has limited experience as a blitzing safety. However, there is room to get stronger and improve his functional strength
Teams Interested
San Francisco 49ers (2nd overall), Chicago Bears (3rd overall), Jacksonville Jaguars (4th overall), Tennessee Titans (5th overall), New York Jets (6th overall), San Diego Chargers (7th overall), Buffalo Bills (10th overall)