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2017 NFL Mock Draft: First-round projections after Week 11

By Connor Muldowney

Nov 12, 2016; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) passes the ball during the first half against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2016; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) passes the ball during the first half against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports /
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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 has been a breeding ground for elite defensive backs in the past few years. Redshirt sophomore Malik Hooker is the latest to impress scouts as he has taken over in a secondary that lost a ton of talent to the draft last year.

The Redskins’ defense has been getting better each offseason and it took a major jump this year wit the addition of elite cornerback Josh Norman. He came over from the Carolina Panthers in the offseason and there has been much debate about whether he’s the best cornerback in the league over Patrick Peterson and Richard Sherman.

Washington could use an upgrade at safety and Hooker should be available at No. 21 overall. The Ohio State sophomore might stay for his redshirt junior year, and it might actually improve his stock even more, if that’s possible. Hooker would likely be a top-15 lock next season if he came back, but his potential is through the roof.

Hooker could help a defense that ranks in the middle of the pack against the pass and his ball skills and naturally-impressive instincts make him an intriguing pick at No. 21. He is extremely raw as a first-year starter but that doesn’t mean he wouldn’t continue to get better as a rookie.

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