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2017 NFL Mock Draft: NFL Conference Championship Edition

By Tyler Brooke

Sep 29, 2016; Lubbock, TX, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders quarterback Patrick Mahomes (5) drops back to pass against the Kansas Jayhawks in the first half at Jones AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 29, 2016; Lubbock, TX, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders quarterback Patrick Mahomes (5) drops back to pass against the Kansas Jayhawks in the first half at Jones AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-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 /

13. . S. Ohio State. Malik Hooker. 7. player

Casey Hayward turned out to be one of the best free agent signings this past offseason, and while the Los Angeles Chargers still have needs in other areas, continuing to bolster that secondary would be a wise move considering the conference that they play in.

This pick could change depending on what happens leading up to April, especially with rumors swirling around quarterback Philip Rivers. However, if the draft were to take place today, the best move would be to take the thrilling Ohio State safety Malik Hooker.

After initially saying that he planned on returning to Ohio State, Hooker declared for the NFL draft following the Buckeyes’ blowout loss to Clemson in the College Football Playoff. During that game, Hooker showed off just how rangy of a free safety he can be, coming up with this impressive interception.

Hooker excels as a safety because he does an exceptional job of reading the quarterback’s eyes and jumping in front of routes. He’s got great speed and fluid hips to cover the entire field in pass coverage. His biggest problem is missing open-field tackles, but with the right coaching, Hooker could turn into one of the best turnover-creating safeties in the NFL.

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