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2017 NFL Draft: Biggest winners and losers of Bowl Season

By Tyler Brooke

Sep 24, 2016; Tucson, AZ, USA; Washington Huskies defensive back Budda Baker (32) celebrates after a Arizona Wildcats fumble during the fourth quarter at Arizona Stadium. Washington won 35-28 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 24, 2016; Tucson, AZ, USA; Washington Huskies defensive back Budda Baker (32) celebrates after a Arizona Wildcats fumble during the fourth quarter at Arizona Stadium. Washington won 35-28 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports /
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December 31, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes safety Malik Hooker (24) intercepts a pass intended for Clemson Tigers wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) during the first half of the the 2016 CFP semifinal at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
December 31, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes safety Malik Hooker (24) intercepts a pass intended for Clemson Tigers wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) during the first half of the the 2016 CFP semifinal at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Winner: Malik Hooker, S, Ohio State

After originally saying that he was planning on coming back to Ohio State, Buckeyes safety Malik Hooker officially declared for the NFL draft. Although the Buckeyes suffered an ugly 31-0 loss to the Clemson Tigers in the Fiesta Bowl, Hooker was able to solidify his draft status in the game.

Hooker showed off his strengths with a promising performance against the Tigers. He made a handful of good plays in this game, but his biggest contribution was on this impressive interception on a potential touchdown pass from Deshaun Watson to Hunter Renfrow.

That play showcases what makes Hooker the No. 2 safety in this draft class. He does a great job of reading opposing quarterbacks’ eyes and has the fluid hips and range to get in front of deep passes to make a play on the ball.

I’m a big fan of Hooker’s play as a free safety and think he could have a really successful career in the NFL if he can continue to work on being a more reliable open-field tackler. Teams in need of a safety in the first 15 or 20 picks will likely have Hooker pinned as one of the guys they’ll pull the trigger on if he’s available.

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