2017 NFL Mock Draft: First-round projections after first bowl weekend

There’s a good chance Malik Hooker might not even be available at this point in the draft. No, not just because he’s supremely talented and might be selected in the 15-25 range, but also because he has admitted he’s thought about coming back. In fact, he’s stated that he’s ‘100 percent sure’ that he will return next season.

However, there’s a strong pull for a young college athlete, especially when he realizes that he has first-round talent — that also means first-round money. Ohio State might feel good about retaining Hooker now, but ask the Buckeyes again in a month.

Taking a young college athlete’s word for something like that is tough, especially when there is so much on the line, such as risking an injury by coming back and hurting draft stock. There are plenty of teams that need safeties and you better believe Hooker is worth a first-round pick.

Hooker has a knack for reading the quarterback’s eyes to perfection and he can make a play on the ball based on where a QB is looking. He’s got great vision and it shows with his six interceptions and four passes defended in his first full year as the starter.

If Hooker decides to come out, the Chiefs would be silly to pass up on him at the end of the first round if he’s still there.