2017 NFL Combine: 10 Players to watch from Big Ten
By Ryan McNeill
1. Malik Hooker, S, Ohio State
Malik Hooker can play for my team any day. Football or basketball team.
Hooker had some scholarship offers to play Division I basketball after he led New Castle High to a state title as a senior. Despite only playing two seasons of high school football, Hooker was an all-state pick as a defensive back.
Something that helped Hooker’s development is he redshirted in 2013 to get acclimated to college football. He was a reserve in 2015 and then was named first-team All-American and All-Big Ten accolades last season. Hooked made 74 tackles (5.5 for loss) and picked off seven passes (tied for second nationally).
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According to his Draft Combine page, Hooker is still raw, but he has great football instincts.
"Outstanding instincts help him work ahead of the play despite average speed. Always probing quarterback’s eyes for clues. Quick to process and is decisive in action. Flows hard to where his instincts lead him. Has fluid movement of a basketball player in space. Leans and bends into his turns for greater body control. Always active and in constant on-field search for optimal positioning. Hyper-aware of incoming targets to his area. Just as comfortable from “robber” spot as high safety. Mirrors quarterback?s eyes to challenge the passing lane. Very rarely takes a false step. Has loose hips for sudden stop-start to cover in space. Great ball skills. Earned most of his seven interceptions in 2016. Can range over the top to challenge the deep ball. Chooses path to the football over path to the man. Strong hands at the catch point lead to takeaways. Can disguise coverage and hustle back into position. Will strike receivers with some force to jar throws loose."
According to a Personnel director for AFC team, Hooker will likely have a rough rookie season, but by this third NFL season, he’ll likely be a star.
"“Hook(er) is still so raw and you see him making all of those plays. He’s a player who will come in and look bad his first year and then be an all-pro by his third year. I think that’s his arc. No short-cut for experience.”"
Don’t be surprised if Hooker underperforms or looks lost at the combine – and even during his rookie season – only to regroup and turn out to be a star in the NFL.