Saturday Blitz
Fansided

2017 NFL Mock Draft: First-Round Projections after Week 8

By Tyler Brooke

Oct 1, 2016; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) warms up prior to the game against the Louisville Cardinals at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 1, 2016; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) warms up prior to the game against the Louisville Cardinals at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
17 of 32
Next
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 /

Ohio State. Malik Hooker. 17. player. 53. . S

With another pick in the first round, the Browns can continue to focus on building out that defense. The secondary still desperately needs some help to take some pressure off of Joe Haden, with the Browns lacking legitimate talent at the safety position.

Ohio State’s Malik Hooker has been one of the fastest risers on draft boards everywhere, including mine. He has some of the best ball skills of any safety in this class, already grabbing four interceptions on the year.

What makes Hooker such a great safety is his ability to read the quarterback’s eyes. He has the speed and fluid hips to cover the entire field, making it extremely difficult for opposing offenses to go deep.

Hooker is still just a redshirt sophomore who could stay another year or two at Ohio State. However, the Buckeyes safety is so talented that he should have no problem going in the first round if he declares after this season. Adding him and Garrett in the first round to go along with guys like Haden and Danny Shelton could give the Browns one of the better defenses in 2017.

Home/NFL Draft